FBR Introduces Faceless Tax Assessment Rules Ahead of October 31 Deadline
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced new procedures for faceless income tax assessments in Pakistan, allowing tax cases to be processed through automated case allocation, online hearings and electronic document submissions. The move comes ahead of the October 31, 2026, income tax return filing deadline. Under the new rules, the Faceless Assessment Unit […]
IMF Warns of Rising Economic Risks for Pakistan as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation
Pakistan’s economic outlook is facing renewed uncertainty as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East drives up global energy and food prices, raises inflationary pressures and threatens to weaken the country’s external financial position. In its October 2026 Regional Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that Pakistan could face growing economic challenges over […]
FBR Launches Online Auction System for Seized Goods, Sets Rs25,000 Minimum Registration Fee
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new electronic auction system for selling seized and confiscated goods, aiming to establish a more transparent and structured process for disposing of such items. Under the revised framework, bidders must pay a minimum one-time registration fee of Rs25,000, while online bidding will remain open for 72 […]
FBR Introduces Mandatory Digital Monitoring for Steel Manufacturers by December 30, 2026
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new compliance requirement for the steel industry, directing registered manufacturers to install digital production monitoring systems by December 30, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen oversight of steel production, improve transparency in product movement and reduce the risk of tax evasion. The directive, issued under Sales […]
Pakistan Considers New Tax Collection Agency as FBR Reform Plans Gain Momentum
Pakistan’s federal government is considering major changes to the country’s tax administration, including the possibility of establishing a new tax collection agency or further restructuring the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The move comes amid concerns over revenue performance and the limited results of previous reform efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the FBR […]
Pakistan Moves Towards a National Digital Market to Strengthen Agriculture and Support Farmers
Pakistan’s agricultural sector could see significant changes under a new proposal by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to establish a national agricultural spot market. The proposed initiative aims to create a more organized system for buying and selling agricultural commodities while helping farmers secure better prices, reduce crop wastage and obtain financing […]
IMF Urges Pakistan to Strengthen Revenue Collection and Build Financial Reserves for Sustainable Growth
Pakistan’s economic recovery, fiscal reforms and long-term development priorities came under discussion during a meeting between International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke and Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. During the meeting, Clarke stressed the need for Pakistan to […]
Pakistan Explores Digital Bonds and Asset Tokenization as 75 Firms Seek Virtual Asset Licenses
Pakistan is taking new steps towards modernizing its financial sector by exploring digital bonds, asset tokenization and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered financial services in collaboration with the World Bank Group. The development comes as the country works to establish a regulated environment for virtual assets and attract both domestic and international businesses. According to the Pakistan […]
China’s Shengtang Group Eyes $10 Million Investment in Pakistan Across Seven Key Sectors
Pakistan may attract fresh Chinese investment as Shengtang Group has expressed interest in signing a $10 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore business opportunities in seven important sectors of the country. The proposed investment could support industrial growth, infrastructure development, energy projects, and other areas linked to Pakistan’s economic progress. According to a statement […]
Pakistan Targets Over 4% Economic Growth as Government Plans $1 Billion-Plus Privatization Drive
Pakistan is aiming for economic growth of more than 4% in the current fiscal year as the government steps up efforts to attract private investment, sell state-owned entities and strengthen the country’s financial position. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has also confirmed that discussions with the United States are continuing over a proposed $10 billion exchange […]
World Bank Proposes $200 Million to Boost KP Tax Revenue and Improve Public Services by 2031
The World Bank has proposed $200 million in financing to help Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) strengthen its revenue collection system, improve public services and manage its finances more effectively. The initiative aims to nearly double the province’s own-source tax revenue in real terms, increasing it from Rs64 billion to Rs122 billion by June 2031. The proposed […]
Pakistan and UK Discuss New Aircraft Options to Revamp PIA Fleet
Pakistan is exploring fresh options to upgrade the fleet of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with the United Kingdom offering potential support involving Airbus aircraft and Rolls-Royce engines. The possibility of aircraft leasing, engine arrangements and export credit assistance was discussed as Pakistan and Britain looked for ways to address PIA’s immediate fleet requirements while keeping […]
FBR Introduces Online Facility for Steel Sector to Report Electricity Consumption
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new online mechanism to help steel manufacturers report their electricity consumption for sales tax purposes when power distribution companies fail to provide the required data on time. The facility is particularly relevant to steel melters, re-rollers and composite units, which are required to declare electricity consumption through Annex-K of […]
FBR Proposes Surcharge-Free ATL Entry for Late Tax Filers With Six-Month Property Restriction
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed a new relief mechanism for taxpayers who miss the income tax return filing deadline. Under the proposed changes, late filers may be allowed to join the Active Taxpayers’ List (ATL) without paying the applicable surcharge, provided they agree not to acquire property for a period of six […]
Pakistan and the IMF Face Another Tough Round of Talks
Pakistan’s latest discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have exposed fresh disagreements over energy-sector reforms, fuel subsidies and the country’s growing gas-sector debt. While the government is trying to provide some relief to consumers facing high fuel prices, the IMF is pushing Islamabad toward tighter fiscal controls and more targeted support. At the center […]
Pakistan and Chinese Firm Explore Rs20 Billion Energy Investment in Gas Sector
Pakistan’s energy sector could see fresh investment and technological cooperation following a new agreement between local company Shaheen Energy (Pvt) Limited and China’s Anton Oilfield Services Group. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to examine investment opportunities worth approximately Rs20 billion in Pakistan’s gas and upstream energy industry over the next […]
Hybrid Car Prices Fall as Pakistan Reduces GST on Vehicles
Hybrid vehicle buyers in Pakistan are beginning to see lower prices after the government reduced the General Sales Tax (GST) on vehicles up to 2,000cc. The tax rate has been brought down from 25% to 18%, prompting major auto manufacturers to revise the prices of several hybrid models. The price adjustments come after weeks of […]
Pakistan to Make Parts of Civil Servants’ Asset Declarations Public by December 2026
The federal government is preparing to make selected details of the assets and income declarations of senior civil servants publicly available by the end of December 2026. The move is linked to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) structural benchmark and is part of wider efforts to strengthen transparency in the public sector. However, the government […]
NCCIA Cracks Down on Suspected Illegal Call Centers in Islamabad
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched a major operation against suspected illegal call centers in Islamabad, detaining more than 200 people in connection with alleged international online fraud. According to reports, the raids were carried out at several locations in the capital, particularly in the E-11 and G-10 areas. A total of […]
Pakistan Inflation May Ease to 10% in September as Fuel and Electricity Costs Rise
Pakistan’s headline inflation is expected to moderate to around 10% in September 2026, according to estimates from AKD Research. The anticipated slowdown is largely linked to softer food prices, although rising fuel, transportation and electricity costs are expected to keep overall price pressures elevated. The research estimates that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) could increase […]