Latest Tax News

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Federal Board of Revenue

SC Rules All Smuggling-Linked Vehicles Must Be Confiscated

The Supreme Court has held that any vehicle used to transport smuggled or non–duty-paid goods cannot be released on payment of a fine, as FBR’s SRO 499(I)/2009 and later amendments make confiscation compulsory. Overturning decisions of the Peshawar High Court and Customs Appellate Tribunal, the Court restored full confiscation and affirmed that neither customs officers nor appellate forums have discretion to allow release once FBR imposes restrictions under Section 181. The ruling also notes that SRO 1619(I)/2024 further tightens the prohibition by completely barring the release of vehicles used in smuggling.

A person calculating withholding tax with a pen and calculator.
Federal Board of Revenue

Senate Panel Rebukes CDA, PTA and FBR Over Governance Failures

A Senate panel has sharply criticised the CDA, PTA and FBR for serious governance failures — from missing land files and dubious plot transfers to limited digital enforcement powers and weak action against smuggling networks. The committee also flagged concerns over misuse of official titles and worsening security in Quetta, calling for complete records and improved accountability across institutions.

A business professional working on tax documents at a desk.
Federal Board of Revenue

FBR Collects Rs7Bn From Export Of Services In FY25, Up 30%

The Federal Board of Revenue recorded Rs7 billion in tax from service exports in FY25, marking a 30% year-on-year increase. The surge was fueled by the booming IT and IT-enabled services sector. Taxes are levied under Section 154A, with 0.25% applied to PSEB-registered IT exports and 1% on other services. This collection highlights the sector’s growing contribution to Pakistan’s revenue base.

A person using a calculator while taking notes.
Punjab Revenue Authority

PRA Identifies 50 Untaxed Aesthetic Clinics in Lahore

The Punjab Revenue Authority has uncovered 50 aesthetic clinics in Lahore that reportedly earned billions of rupees annually without paying any tax. One clinic alone recorded sales of Rs1.8 billion in a year. The discovery was made during PRA’s ongoing survey to bring 11 additional sectors—including aesthetic clinics, beauty parlors, property developers, and car dealers—into the tax net, with enforcement and expansion efforts now accelerating across Punjab.

Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan at sunset.
Punjab Revenue Authority

PRA Posts Over 31% Record Growth In October

The Punjab Revenue Authority recorded more than 31% revenue growth in October, with first-quarter collections rising 28% over last year despite no new taxes or rate increases. Officials credited effective planning, greater use of technology, and expanding implementation of the Electronic Invoice Monitoring System, predicting further gains through stronger enforcement and registration of unregistered businesses.