Karachi, January 22, 2026 — Pakistan’s rising import bill during the first half (July–December) of fiscal year 2025-26 significantly boosted the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) income tax collection at the import stage, which climbed to Rs245 billion, sources said on Friday.
According to provisional figures released by the FBR, income tax collected on imported goods increased by 20 percent during 1HFY26, compared to Rs204 billion collected in the same period of the previous fiscal year. The growth reflects both higher import volumes and tighter compliance measures at ports.
FBR officials attributed the sharp rise in revenue to an 11.56 percent increase in total imports, alongside enhanced monitoring, valuation checks, and improved scrutiny during consignment clearance. Pakistan’s cumulative imports reached $34.48 billion in the first half of FY26, up from $30.90 billion in the corresponding period last year.
On a year-on-year basis, income tax collection at the import stage rose to Rs43.29 billion in December 2025, compared with Rs37.71 billion collected in December 2024, reflecting a 15 percent increase.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s imports during December 2025 also recorded growth, increasing by 3.47 percent to $6.12 billion, up from $5.90 billion in the same month of the previous year.
Revenue experts note that while higher imports have supported short-term tax collection, sustained revenue growth will depend on broadening the tax base, strengthening enforcement, and balancing import-led growth with export expansion to ease pressure on the external account.
| Indicator | 1HFY26 | 1HFY25 | Change |
| Income Tax at Import Stage | Rs245 bn | Rs204 bn | +20% |
| Total Imports (Jul–Dec) | $34.48 bn | $30.90 bn | +11.56% |
| Dec Import Tax Collection | Rs43.29 bn | Rs37.71 bn | +15% |
| December Imports | $6.12 bn | $5.90 bn | +3.47% |