ISLAMABAD, April 17, 2026 — Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani on Friday urged traders across Pakistan to ensure tax registration and timely filing, calling it essential for broadening the country’s narrow tax base and strengthening fiscal stability.
Kayani made the remarks during a meeting with business representatives from Multan and Faisalabad, as part of ongoing consultations ahead of the upcoming federal budget and wider taxation reforms, according to an official statement.
The delegation, led by Kashif of the All Pakistan Trader Association, included traders from key industrial and commercial hubs in Punjab. Senior officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Tax Policy Office also attended the meeting, which was held as part of a broader outreach programme by the finance ministry.
Kayani said cities such as Faisalabad, Multan and Bahawalpur play a critical role in Pakistan’s export performance and industrial output. He said the government’s objective was to design a more “efficient, equitable and business-friendly” taxation system through direct engagement with stakeholders.
He reiterated that expanding the tax base remained a key priority, alongside reducing compliance burdens and improving ease of doing business. “All traders must come forward for registration and tax filing to ensure fairness in the system,” Kayani said.
He added that ongoing and planned tax reforms would be shaped through consultations with traders and other stakeholders with practical knowledge of market conditions.
During the meeting, trader representatives raised concerns regarding the implementation of Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, documentation requirements and procedural complexity in tax compliance. They stressed the need for greater transparency, simplified procedures and improved trust between taxpayers and tax authorities.
Business leaders also welcomed the government’s pre-budget engagement efforts, saying such consultations were a positive step towards inclusive policymaking.
Kayani assured participants that the government was committed to addressing genuine concerns of the business community. He said reforms would focus on reducing procedural hurdles, improving fairness and strengthening confidence in the taxation framework.
He emphasised that all proposed measures would be developed in close coordination with stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and long-term effectiveness.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continued dialogue between the government and the business community, aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and improving tax compliance across the country.