The State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to allow regulated banking access for Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA)-licensed virtual asset service providers (VASPs) marks a significant policy shift—arguably one of the most consequential in the country’s financial regulatory landscape since 2018.
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Revenue or Relief? A Crucial Test for Pakistan After Global Oil Price Drop
Islamabad – The recent decline in global oil prices has placed the government of Pakistan at a critical crossroads: should it prioritize revenue generation or pass on relief to inflation-weary citizens? This dilemma has intensified following a temporary ceasefire involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which triggered a sharp drop in international crude prices.
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Iran War Fallout: Pakistanis Crushed Under Record Fuel Prices
The economic shockwaves from the escalating conflict linked to the Strait of Hormuz are now hitting home in Pakistan, where citizens are grappling with unprecedented fuel prices and rising financial distress. The government’s latest move to sharply increase petroleum prices has triggered widespread concern, pushing already strained households closer to the brink.
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FBR Slaps Tax on YouTubers & Influencers: Here’s How the Cookie Crumbles
Karachi, April 2, 2026 – In a landmark move, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has tightened its grip on Pakistan’s booming digital economy, introducing a sweeping taxation framework targeting YouTubers, influencers, and foreign content creators earning from Pakistani audiences.
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What Will FBR Do With Hidden Income in Tax Year 2026? You Should Know
If you have concealed income, underreported earnings, or forgotten to declare certain assets, Tax Year 2026 could bring serious consequences. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has tightened enforcement under the updated Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, keeping Section 111 (Unexplained Income or Assets) fully applicable.
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FBR’s Magical Return Form: Changed Without Change!
In yet another episode of “Taxpayers vs. Logic,” the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially declared that the 2025 income tax return form has not changed at all—except that it now magically requires new restrictions.
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Unpacking Section 37A: Fair Enforcement or Fear Tactic?
Section 37A of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 introduces robust mechanisms to tackle tax fraud through structured inquiries, investigations, and—when warranted—arrests. While some critics have expressed concern over the powers granted under this provision, a deeper analysis reveals that Section 37A is designed to act as a powerful deterrent against tax fraud rather than a tool to harass honest taxpayers.
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FBR Can Now See Your Internet History — Even If You Delete It!
Islamabad, July 3, 2025 — In a jaw-dropping expansion of surveillance powers, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been granted unprecedented access to your internet browsing history — even if you’ve cleared your cache or wiped your device clean.
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Sections 37A, 37B: Tax Fraud on Trial
Islamabad, July 3, 2025 — Pakistan’s tax enforcement regime just entered a whole new territory, and the business community is on edge. With the implementation of Sections 37A and 37B of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 — introduced via the Finance Act, 2025 — the government has signaled zero tolerance for tax fraud.
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Faceless Customs: A nightmare for corrupt elements
The launch of Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) is nothing short of a revolution—one that’s shaking the foundations of the deeply entrenched system of corruption and malpractice in Pakistan’s import-export sector.
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