Karachi, November 21, 2025 – The Medium Taxpayers Office (MTO) Karachi has announced a series of awareness seminars aimed at helping traders, SMEs, and industrialists file accurate tax returns and comply with key documentation requirements.
The initiative is being launched in partnership with the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) to enhance taxpayer education and address sector-wide concerns.
MTO Karachi Chief Commissioner Ahmed Kamal, during his visit to KATI, said the seminars will guide businesses on proper data entry, return filing procedures, and compliance with the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) regulations. He also announced the appointment of Ahmed Mukhtar Shahani as the focal person for resolving issues faced by companies operating in the Korangi Industrial Zone.
Kamal stressed that collaboration with trade bodies such as KATI is essential for resolving tax-related challenges and ensuring that non-filers are brought into the tax net. He urged industries to share their recommendations, especially regarding the time required to address ongoing digital invoicing issues.
Addressing concerns about taxpayer harassment, the Chief Commissioner clarified that FBR’s objective is to facilitate taxpayers, not intimidate them. He assured strict action against any corrupt officials if complaints are reported. He further explained that no new audits are being opened and only pending cases are being cleared. The government is also appointing more auditors under a revised policy to improve service delivery.
Earlier, KATI President Ikram Rajput called for reducing audit notices, improving transparency, and reviewing tax rates to stay competitive within the region. He warned that delays and technical issues in digital invoicing have become critical and requested an extension for invoice submission.
KATI leadership—including Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya—expressed concerns over rising tax burdens on long-time taxpayers. Chhaya noted that many industrialists are spending long periods abroad to qualify as non-resident filers due to increasing tax pressure. He urged the government to eliminate non-filers, expand the tax base, and curb the black economy. He also criticized the practice of penalizing businesses that voluntarily act as withholding agents.
Committee Chairman Tariq Malik added that raising tax targets alone will not increase revenue and that excessive pressure on existing taxpayers is counterproductive. He called on the FBR to act against zero-return filers and habitual non-filers.
Other KATI representatives, including Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed and Vice President Muhammad Talha, also presented their suggestions to the FBR during the meeting.