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.
(more…)Category: OPINIONS
-
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.
(more…) -
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.
(more…) -
Will the proposed tariff policy harm local manufacturers?
The government’s recently proposed tariff policy under the National Tariff Policy 2025–30 has sparked intense debate and concern across Pakistan’s industrial landscape.
(more…) -
Luxury Car Sales Soar, Revealing Pakistan’s Class Divide
The latest figures released by the Pakistan Auto Manufacturers Association (PAMA) have sparked renewed debate over the country’s growing economic inequality, as car sales data reveals a stark contrast in consumer behavior across income groups.
(more…) -
Understanding taxpayers’ rights when FBR impounds records
The relationship between the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the taxpayer should be grounded in fairness, accountability, and transparency. While the FBR has the legal authority to impound records during audits or investigations, it is equally important to highlight and protect the rights of taxpayers during this process. Often, individuals and businesses feel powerless when their accounts, documents, or digital data are seized. However, the law provides clear safeguards to ensure that taxpayers’ rights are respected.
(more…) -
Taxpayers and Concealment: Proving Intentional Misreporting
Concealment of income is a serious matter in the realm of tax law, and it can lead to severe consequences if proven for taxpayers.
(more…) -
Presence of Illicit Cigarettes: A Failure of Authorities
The widespread availability of smuggled and illicit cigarettes in local markets highlights the failure of authorities responsible for curbing the illegal trade.
(more…) -
Massive Bank Withdrawals Amid Looming Tax Restrictions
In December 2024, Pakistan witnessed a staggering Rs 862 billion in bank withdrawals, highlighting a rising wave of uncertainty among account holders.
(more…) -
Transit Trade Monitoring Debacle: Call for Thorough Probe
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has recently brought grave allegations against a company entrusted with the critical task of monitoring and tracking cargo in transit.
(more…)