The IMF team met the Federal Tax Ombudsman to examine FBR’s maladministration, including refund delays, audit irregularities, and repeated illegal notices. FTO officials reported that of 35,179 complaints received in 2025, 24,700 were upheld, highlighting systemic issues in tax administration.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance has deferred debate on mobile phone taxes, with members warning that high levies imposed by the FBR and enforced through PTA systems are pushing users toward grey channels. Concerns were raised over double taxation on overseas Pakistanis and the rising burden on local consumers.
Customs Enforcement Karachi has foiled a major tax-evasion attempt involving undervalued auto parts and laptops, preventing a Rs167 million revenue loss. Goods worth Rs193 million were seized, and FBR has initiated legal proceedings against the importer and facilitators.
President Asif Ali Zardari has appointed Zafarul Haq Hijazi as the new Federal Tax Ombudsman. The FTO provides a fast and independent mechanism for taxpayers to challenge maladministration by agencies like the FBR, with powers to investigate, stay orders, and recommend corrective action.
The Federal Board of Revenue has reinstated senior auditor Altaf Hussain Khurho after scaling back his dismissal in a Rs238.42 billion tax fraud case. While charges of inefficiency were upheld, the Appellate Authority noted his substantial role in blocking fraudulent input tax and recovering millions, prompting a reduction of the penalty to withholding promotion for three years.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has yet to act on a critical FTO recommendation, upheld by President Asif Ali Zardari, to establish a team of sales tax and IT experts to combat fake and flying invoices. The delay continues to fuel massive revenue leakages and undermines public trust in governance.
Tax experts warn that the Federal Board of Revenue’s digitalisation drive lacks real impact without a clear strategy to bring non-filers into the tax net. While return filings have increased, experts say enforcement and institutional upgrades are essential for meaningful revenue growth.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of comprehensive tax reform to strengthen Pakistan’s capital markets. At the inaugural CMDC meeting, he called for coordinated action by SECP, SBP, and the Finance Division to enhance investor incentives, transparency, and market competitiveness.
The Federal Board of Revenue has set up two check posts near the AJK border—at Kohala Bridge and Nakoder—to monitor goods originating from tax-exempt areas. Officials will inspect vehicles and verify documents to prevent revenue leakage and ensure compliance with sales tax rules.
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced on Wednesday that all Large Taxpayer Offices (LTOs), Medium Taxpayer Offices (MTOs), […]