ICAP proposes tax facilitation desks, data-sharing systems and national performance rankings for chambers to help widen Pakistan’s tax base and curb informality
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) has proposed a major overhaul of Pakistan’s tax enforcement framework, suggesting that district chambers of commerce be turned into active partners in efforts to curb tax evasion and bring millions of traders into the formal economy.
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Karachi Chamber warns high energy costs, taxation and policy uncertainty are weakening Pakistan’s global textile competitiveness
KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has sounded alarm over the deteriorating competitiveness of Pakistan’s textile sector, warning that rising production costs, inconsistent policies and stronger regional competition are threatening the country’s largest export industry.
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Karachi Chamber says shift to Normal Tax Regime has increased tax burden, compliance costs and operational challenges for exporters.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has urged the government to restore the Final Tax Regime (FTR) for exporters in the Federal Budget 2026-27, arguing that the existing taxation framework is undermining the competitiveness of Pakistan’s export sector.
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Regulator concludes enforcement proceedings against 36 SOEs, issues 46 adjudication orders and warns non-compliant entities to improve governance standards.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has imposed penalties totaling Rs3.18 million on state-owned enterprises (SOEs) for failing to comply with statutory reporting and corporate governance requirements, the regulator said on Saturday.
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Exports fall and imports rise during July–May FY2025-26, though monthly trade gap narrows sharply in May
Pakistan recorded trade deficit of $34.76 billion during the first eleven months (July–May) of fiscal year 2025-26 or 11MFY26 as declining exports and higher imports continued to pressure the country’s external sector, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
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Bench observes royalty typically applies to minerals, not finished goods, and seeks Punjab government response
ISLAMABAD, June 3, 2026 — The Federal Constitutional Court on Wednesday raised concerns over the Punjab government’s decision to impose royalty on cement production, questioning whether the levy amounts to a tax rather than a royalty.
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Business leaders urge growth-focused reforms as government finalizes budget proposals for FY2026-27
Pakistan’s leading business leaders and industrialists met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday to discuss priorities and proposals for the federal budget FY2026-27, focusing on economic growth, exports, investment promotion and tax reforms.
(more…)Online registrations account for 99.9% of incorporations as corporate sector expansion continues
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 3,161 new companies in May 2026, demonstrating continued growth in the country’s corporate sector despite a reduced number of working days due to Eid-ul-Adha holidays.
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OICCI survey shows business confidence weakens as regional tensions disrupt trade routes, delay investment decisions and increase economic uncertainty
Business confidence in Pakistan weakened significantly during the second quarter of 2026 as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupted trade routes, increased logistics costs and prompted foreign companies to delay investment decisions, according to a survey by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI).
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FPCCI leader warns IMF-backed sales tax hike to 19% could further shrink registrations and expand the grey economy
KARACHI: Khurram Ijaz, General Secretary and former Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has expressed concern over the declining number of active sales tax registrations in the country, describing it as a reflection of a growing trust deficit in the taxation system due to high sales tax rates.
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