Karachi, May 6, 2025 – In a significant move to strengthen ties with the business sector and improve transparency, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced the establishment of a dedicated tax facilitation counter in Karachi.
The initiative aims to provide seamless support and guidance to taxpayers, ensuring they have the necessary tools and knowledge to meet their tax obligations with ease.
Senior FBR officials met with representatives from various business associations on Monday to explore strategies for enhancing cooperation, addressing grievances, and fostering a tax-compliant culture. During the meeting, it was decided that a specialized facilitation counter will soon be operational to serve as a central point for assisting taxpayers and addressing their concerns in real time. Additionally, a dedicated WhatsApp number was launched to enable the business community to report instances of corruption or malpractice directly.
The meeting was jointly chaired by Dr. Faheem Mohammad, Chief Commissioner of the Regional Tax Office-1 (RTO-1), Zahid Masood, Chief Commissioner of the Corporate Taxpayers Office (CTO), and Aftab Alam, Chief Commissioner of the Medium Taxpayers Office (MTO). In their remarks, the FBR officials emphasized that the department is committed to simplifying procedures and building trust through proactive facilitation measures.
Business community representatives emphasized the importance of awareness and education. They called for regular seminars, workshops, and communication campaigns to educate taxpayers about current laws, procedures, and rights. The consensus was clear: facilitation and education are critical to encouraging voluntary compliance and discouraging tax evasion.
Responding to concerns about enforcement measures, particularly actions related to Point-of-Sale (PoS) violations, FBR officials assured participants that cooperation and coordination with trade bodies will remain central. Chief Commissioner RTO-1 Dr. Faheem stressed the importance of collective responsibility in combating tax evasion, while CTO’s Zahid Masood reiterated FBR’s intention to remove unnecessary hurdles from traders’ paths.
MTO Chief Commissioner Aftab Alam underlined the need for a mutually respectful relationship between FBR and taxpayers, centered on transparency, communication, and facilitation. He noted that the path to a fair and efficient tax system lies in collaboration and trust.
With these steps, the FBR aims to foster a taxpayer-friendly environment where facilitation is not just a service—but a core principle.