SECP Greenlights New Annuity Products to Boost Retirement Income Security
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken a significant step toward improving financial security for retirees in Pakistan by approving a range of new annuity products. These offerings are expected to strengthen the country’s retirement system by helping individuals convert their accumulated savings into stable and predictable income after they leave the […]
Building a Stronger Tax Culture in Punjab
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) is preparing to introduce a province-wide awareness campaign aimed at reducing tax evasion and encouraging citizens to play a more active role in ensuring tax compliance across Punjab. The initiative reflects the government’s growing focus on improving transparency and strengthening the province’s revenue system. The campaign is expected to begin […]
Punjab’s Path to Progress: New Reforms for a Stronger Economy
Punjab is taking a serious step toward financial modernization. In a busy Tuesday session, the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance cleared the path for two major legislative updates designed to tighten the province’s tax net and upgrade its crumbling infrastructure. From synchronizing with federal systems to chasing down overdue audit recoveries, here is what […]
Pakistan’s Courts Adopt Four-Day Work Weeks Amid Energy Crisis
In a move reflecting both prudence and adaptability, Pakistan’s judiciary has announced a series of austerity measures aimed at conserving energy and reducing operational costs amid rising fuel prices caused by global geopolitical tensions. The Supreme Court of Pakistan, alongside the Federal Shariat Court (FSC), high courts, district courts, and the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), […]
Pakistan Ensures Stable Fuel Supplies Amid Global Market Volatility
In a proactive move to safeguard the nation’s energy security, the Pakistani government recently conducted a thorough review of the country’s petroleum stock levels. The meeting, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, brought together key federal ministers and senior officials to assess the current fuel supply situation and plan for potential challenges in the international […]
APTMA Appeals to FBR for Clarity on Super Tax for Exporters
The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to provide clear guidelines regarding the Super Tax imposed under Section 4C, particularly for exporters. In a letter addressed to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, APTMA highlighted that textile mills are facing significant challenges in meeting the tax obligations […]
ECC Power Sector Reforms – Plant-wise Savings Summary
Power Plant / Category Previous Tariff (Rs/unit) New Tariff / Terms Key Changes Estimated Savings (Rs billion) 3 Upfront-Priced Wind Plants 42 Fixed ROE in PKR, reduced O&M, lower insurance, waived late interest Dues paid on execution, KIBOR late payment reduced 2% 39 11 Cost-Plus Wind Plants 17 Adjusted cost-plus rates, waived late interest Rationalized […]
Pakistan Sees Steady Growth in New Company Registrations in February 2026
The corporate landscape in Pakistan continues to expand, with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) recording 3,444 new company registrations in February, bringing the total number of registered companies in the country to 287,049. Private Sector Remains the Driving Force Private limited companies led the new incorporations, accounting for 59% of all registrations, […]
FBR Issues SOP for Implementation of Section 37A of the Sales Tax Act
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining how tax officials should exercise the powers granted under Section 37A of the Sales Tax Act, 1990. The move is aimed at ensuring that investigations into tax fraud are carried out in a structured and legally sound manner across the country. […]
Punjab Revenue Authority Reports Strong Growth in February Tax Collection
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has posted a remarkable increase in its tax revenues for February, signaling improved performance in the province’s tax collection system. According to official data, the authority generated more than Rs41 billion during the month, reflecting a substantial 75 percent rise compared with the revenue collected in February of last year. […]
Parliamentarians Set to Join SECP Policy Board After Senate Committee Approves Amendment
Pakistan’s financial regulatory framework may soon see a notable shift in oversight as lawmakers move closer to becoming part of the policy board of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The development comes after the Senate Standing Committee on Finance approved an amendment to the SECP Act 1997, opening the door for parliamentary […]
Textile Industry Pushes for Reform of Captive Power Gas Pricing
The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has formally approached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with a request that could significantly reshape industrial energy pricing. The Council wants the government to take up the matter with the International Monetary Fund (IMF): remove the Off-Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy and treat industrial cogeneration units as regular industrial gas connections. […]
FBR Sets March 9 Deadline for IRS and Customs Officers to Submit Pending Asset Declarations
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a firm directive to its field formations, instructing them to ensure that all Inland Revenue and Customs officers file any outstanding declarations of assets and liabilities by March 9, 2026. The move follows a reminder from the Establishment Division, emphasizing strict compliance with disclosure requirements under Rule […]
Pakistan Begins IMF Review Talks, Eyes $1.2 Billion Disbursement
Pakistan has entered another significant phase in its economic reform journey as it starts fresh review discussions with the International Monetary Fund. The outcome of these talks could lead to the release of $1.2 billion in additional financial support, providing further stability to the country’s economy. Fresh Assessment Under IMF Programmed The ongoing negotiations mark […]
OPEC+ Moves Carefully as Middle East Tensions Shake Oil Markets
Global oil markets are once again on edge. The alliance known as OPEC+ has agreed in principle to raise crude production slightly, even as conflict involving Iran disrupts shipments across one of the world’s most vital energy corridors. The decision highlights a delicate balancing act: calming nervous markets without overcommitting supply in an increasingly unstable […]
Pakistan Sees Strong Foreign Investment Momentum as 79 New Companies Launch Operations
Pakistan’s investment landscape is showing renewed vibrancy. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), 79 foreign companies have started operations in the country over the past three years, bringing in approximately Rs40.7 billion in investment across diverse sectors. At the same time, only 19 foreign firms exited the market during this period […]
Government Moves to Activate FBR Integrity Cell Under IMF Reform Commitments
In a significant step toward strengthening tax administration oversight, the federal government has committed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it will fully operationalize and reinforce internal accountability mechanisms within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The reform centers on reviving and empowering the Integrity Management Cell (IMC), a body designed to address corruption […]
PTA Tightens Oversight on Mobile Tariffs with New 2025 Regulations
Pakistan’s telecom regulator, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has introduced the Mobile Tariff Regulations 2025 in response to growing public concerns about increasing mobile package prices, declining service quality, and unauthorized balance deductions. The move signals a stronger regulatory stance aimed at protecting consumers while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector. A Structured […]
Pakistan’s Debt-Driven Growth: A Cycle That Needs Breaking
Pakistan’s economy has long walked a tightrope between stabilization and slowdown. In recent commentary across national media, analysts have once again raised concerns about a familiar pattern: growth fueled not by productivity or exports, but by borrowing. This “debt-dependent growth” model may keep the system running in the short term, but it raises serious questions […]
FBR Mandates Digital Integration: A New Era of E-Invoicing for Service Sectors in Pakistan
In a significant step toward tightening tax compliance, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed a broad range of service providers and businesses to connect their electronic invoicing systems directly with its computerized income tax platform. Issued through SRO 288(I)/2026, the notification makes it compulsory for specified enterprises to register their outlets, install compatible […]