Pakistan’s weekly inflation rises sharply year-on-year as fuel, electricity and food prices continue to pressure consumers
Pakistan’s weekly inflation, measured through the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), rose 14.47% year-on-year for the week ended May 21, 2026, driven largely by higher energy and food prices.
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IMF inflows lift Pakistan’s reserves to highest level in four years as SBP holdings cross $17 billion
Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves rose to a four-year high of nearly $22.60 billion, boosted by inflows from the International Monetary Fund, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday.
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FBR orders packaged milk manufacturers to install real-time electronic production monitoring systems by June 30, 2026
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has moved to implement electronic monitoring of packaged milk production in an effort to curb sales tax leakages and strengthen tax compliance in the dairy sector.
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Central bank urges integration of urban agriculture into city planning to counter shrinking farmland and rising climate pressures
State Bank of Pakistan has warned that rapid urbanisation, shrinking farmland and rising heat stress are increasing the risk of food insecurity in Pakistan, urging policymakers to integrate urban agriculture into mainstream city planning.
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Shift toward solar energy cited among major reasons behind lower tax collection
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) recorded a nearly 30% decline in withholding income tax collection through electricity bills from Karachi during the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025–26, according to official sources.
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New SRO introduces stricter disclosure requirements and mandatory registration framework for INGOs
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has amended income tax rules to make registration compulsory for International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), tightening compliance requirements under the country’s tax framework.
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Provincial sales tax on services collection rises 28.5% during July-March FY2025-26
Punjab recorded the highest growth in sales tax collection on services among Pakistan’s provinces during the first nine months of fiscal year 2025–26, posting an increase of more than 38%, according to official data released by the finance ministry.
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Digital surveillance system to monitor production lines of milk, steel, oil and ghee manufacturers in real time
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has expanded its digital tax monitoring system to production lines of packaged milk, iron and steel, edible oil and ghee manufacturers with immediate effect.
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Pakistan plans fresh revenue measures as FBR faces likely shortfall in FY26 collections
Pakistan’s government is expected to introduce around 430 billion rupees in new tax measures in the federal budget for 2026–27 (FY27) as it seeks to strengthen revenues amid pressure from lower-than-targeted collections, according to official documents.
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Government plans tariff reforms, regulatory simplification and corporate law amendments in Budget 2026-27
Pakistan is preparing to introduce a broad policy package aimed at improving the business environment as part of the federal budget for 2026–27, according to official sources.
The measures are expected to include further tariff reforms, regulatory simplification, and amendments to corporate laws to encourage investment and reduce the cost of doing business.
Officials said the next phase of duty reductions under the National Tariff Policy will be legislated through the upcoming budget as the government moves to rationalize import duties and improve industrial competitiveness.
The authorities are also working to simplify and remove non-tariff barriers that businesses say increase compliance costs and create uncertainty for investors and traders.
As part of a wider regulatory reform initiative, the government plans to establish a national regulatory registry to serve as a centralized source of business-related regulations.
The registry, initially covering the federal government and Islamabad Capital Territory administration, is targeted for completion by June 2027 and is intended to improve transparency and reduce regulatory uncertainty for businesses.
Officials further said amendments to the Companies Act are being finalized for submission to Parliament by the end of June 2026.
The proposed amendments are expected to focus on lowering regulatory burdens, reducing transaction costs, and strengthening corporate governance and transparency for both listed and unlisted companies.
In parallel, the government also plans to gradually phase out fiscal incentives available to Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Special Technology Zones (STZs), and Export Processing Zones (EPZs) by 2035.
Authorities believe the move will reduce fiscal pressures and create a more level playing field for trade and investment across sectors.
The reforms are expected to be formalized through amendments to SEZ and STZ laws by June 2027, while exporters operating in EPZs may also lose the option to sell part of their production in the domestic market.
Economists say the proposed reforms reflect Pakistan’s broader effort to modernize its business framework, improve investment conditions, and support long-term economic stability.