Senior FBR Officer Penalized After Misconduct Inquiry
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has enforced disciplinary measures against a senior Inland Revenue Service (IRS) officer after an internal investigation confirmed serious lapses in performance and conduct. Acting on the Prime Minister’s directions, the officer has been temporarily demoted as part of the penalty. Muhammad Asim Khattak, who was posted as Chief (Admin […]
Revenue Shortfall Persists as FBR Struggles to Meet Tax Targets
Pakistan’s tax authority, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), continues to face difficulties in meeting its revenue goals, reporting a tax collection gap of over Rs335 billion in the first half of the ongoing fiscal year. The shortfall underscores persistent challenges in achieving fiscal targets amid a slowing economy and compliance issues. Data from official […]
FBR Confirms December 31, 2025 as Final Date for Corporate Tax Filings
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially set December 31, 2025 as the final deadline for companies to submit their annual income tax returns along with all required compliance documents. Corporate taxpayers are being urged to take this timeline seriously, as the authority has ruled out any automatic extensions. According to the FBR, companies […]
Questions Raised Over FBR’s Accountability After Ignoring FTO Directive
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is facing renewed scrutiny after its Inland Revenue (Operations) Wing failed to comply with a lawful order issued by the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in a case involving a corporate taxpayer. The incident has sparked concerns about compliance, transparency, and respect for oversight within the tax administration. According to […]
FBR to Take Tough Action Against Online Sale of Smuggled Goods
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is preparing to launch a comprehensive enforcement drive targeting the sale of smuggled and non-duty-paid goods being marketed through social media platforms. The initiative reflects the authority’s growing focus on curbing illegal trade in the digital marketplace. According to sources within the tax authority, the campaign will officially begin […]
Punjab Sales Tax on Hotel and Restaurant Services: What Changes from July 2025?
From 1 July 2025, Punjab’s sales tax rules for hotels and restaurants will be applied more broadly under the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act, 2012. The revised framework removes ambiguity around tax coverage, introduces incentives for digital payments, and sets clearer compliance expectations for businesses operating in the hospitality sector. This article breaks down […]
FTO Reveals Digital Tax Fraud Network Inside FBR and PRAL
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has exposed a sophisticated cyber fraud network operating through the digital systems of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL). The group was found to be manipulating sales tax filings by submitting fake and revised returns based on fraudulent invoices that showed imaginary business transactions. […]
Major Crackdown: FBR Intercepts Smuggled Smartphones Worth Rs. 62 Million
In a decisive move against illegal trade, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has confiscated a massive haul of smuggled mobile phones valued at approximately Rs. 62 million. The operation was conducted by the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) under the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Karachi, following a carefully planned intelligence-based strategy. According to customs authorities, the […]
Capital Gains on Debt Securities: A Tax Rule Investors Can’t Ignore
Investors earning profits from debt-related investments have been advised to stay alert to their tax responsibilities, as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has confirmed that withholding tax on capital gains will continue to apply in tax year 2026. The rule, enforced under Section 151A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, is mandatory and non-compliance […]
Ombudsman Pushes FBR to Act Against Sales Tax Cybercrime
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has taken a strong stance against growing cyber fraud in Pakistan’s sales tax system, instructing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to move quickly against those involved in digital tax manipulation. This directive, issued by Ombudsman Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi, is his first official order and highlights serious concerns about weaknesses in […]
Concerns Grow Over FBR’s Role in Pakistan’s Business Challenges
Pakistan’s investment climate is facing renewed scrutiny as lawmakers and industry voices raise concerns about the Federal Board of Revenue’s impact on businesses operating in the country. The issue came into focus during a recent meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Commerce, where participants discussed the difficulties faced by both local companies and […]
FBR Keeps Offices Open to Help Taxpayers Meet Year-End Deadlines
As the year draws to a close, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken an important step to support taxpayers and ensure smooth revenue collection. To accommodate the rush typically seen at the end of December, the FBR has decided to keep its offices open beyond regular schedules. According to an official notification, the […]
Why Salary Tax Is Deducted at Source in Pakistan
Many salaried individuals in Pakistan notice that income tax is deducted from their salary before it is credited to their bank account. This practice often raises questions, especially among new taxpayers. The reason behind this system lies in Pakistan’s tax laws, specifically Section 149 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, which makes salary tax deduction […]
Federal Tax Ombudsman Shuts Six Regional Offices in Organizational Overhaul
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has taken a significant step toward administrative reorganization by closing six of its regional offices across Pakistan. The decision is part of an internal restructuring plan aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operational overlap. Officials have confirmed that the regional offices in Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Abbottabad are […]
Time-Barred Appeals and the Cost of Institutional Failure
Recent developments in Pakistan’s tax administration have raised serious concerns about efficiency, accountability, and the protection of public revenue. The Lahore Tax Bar Association’s Public Interest Litigation Committee (LTBA-PILC) has called on Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to investigate what it describes as deep-rooted inefficiency within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), following the dismissal […]
FBR Notifies New Structure and Functions of the Directorate-General of Law
FBR Notifies New Structure and Functions of the Directorate-General of Law The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued an important notification outlining the updated structure, responsibilities, and jurisdiction of the Directorate-General of Law along with its regional Directorates. Released on 11 November 2025, this notification aims to streamline the handling of legal matters, strengthen […]
FBR Launches Real-Time Electronic Monitoring System for Tobacco Production
FBR Launches Real-Time Electronic Monitoring System for Tobacco Production The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken another major step toward tightening oversight of the tobacco industry. On 10 November 2025, the Inland Revenue Wing issued Sales Tax General Order No. 7 of 2025, introducing mandatory IP-CCTV–based electronic production monitoring across all tobacco manufacturing units […]
Pakistan Reaches 6.4 Million Active Taxpayers — A Big Win for FBR’s Reform Drive
📈 The Numbers Tell the Story Islamabad — The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reported a major breakthrough in Pakistan’s tax landscape: 6,458,329 active taxpayers are now listed in the Active Taxpayers List (ATL) for tax years 2024 and 2025. This figure represents all individuals, companies, and Associations of Persons (AOPs) who have filed […]
Jurisdiction & Appointment of Income Tax Authorities in Pakistan
Jurisdiction & Appointment of Income Tax Authorities in Pakistan A Comprehensive GuideNavigating the tax system in Pakistan can be complex, but understanding the jurisdiction and appointment of income tax authorities is essential for taxpayers. This guide breaks down the hierarchy, powers, and processes governing tax authorities under the Income Tax Ordinance , ensuring you have […]
Understanding the Taxability of Teachers’ Remunerations in Pakistan: A Closer Look at the Recent Circular
Understanding the Taxability of Teachers’ Remunerations in Pakistan: A Closer Look at the Recent Circular In a recent development, the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat in Pakistan has issued a circular that could have significant implications for teachers performing duties with Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education. The circular, dated March 6, 2025, addresses the taxability […]