Karachi, June 25, 2025 — In a seismic shift for Pakistan’s tax culture, voluntary tax payment has exploded by a staggering 55%, signaling a dramatic rise in public trust, financial awareness, and patriotic commitment to national development. This surge isn’t just a number—it marks a powerful move towards a more self-sustaining and transparent economy.
According to explosive figures revealed by PkRevenue, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has recorded an eye-popping Rs1.69 trillion in voluntary payment during tax year 2024, up from Rs1.09 trillion the previous year. This historic leap showcases a growing willingness among Pakistanis to contribute to the national exchequer without compulsion or fear of enforcement.
Voluntary tax payment, in essence, is the amount paid willingly by taxpayers—individuals and businesses alike—without coercive measures such as audits, raids, or legal threats. It reflects not only effective policymaking by the FBR but also a deepening sense of civic responsibility.
The breakdown of this impressive growth reveals that payment through tax returns soared to Rs161 billion in 2024, up from Rs119 billion the previous year. Under the minimum tax regime, Rs4.64 billion was collected—an increase from Rs4.21 billion. However, the FBR saw a sharp dip in collections from small retailers, which fell to Rs840 million from Rs1.87 billion, raising questions about enforcement at the micro level.
Meanwhile, Section 137 payments—a key voluntary avenue—witnessed a phenomenal jump to Rs156 billion from Rs112 billion. But the real game-changer came in the form of advance tax, which skyrocketed to Rs1.53 trillion, a monumental increase from Rs974 billion in the previous fiscal cycle.
As a result, the share of voluntary payment in Pakistan’s total direct tax collection rose to 37%, up from 33% last year. Overall, net direct tax collection surged by 38%, touching Rs4.53 trillion.
This incredible rise in voluntary payment is more than a fiscal milestone—it’s a declaration. Pakistanis are choosing participation over avoidance, pride over evasion. If this trend continues, voluntary compliance may become the new backbone of the country’s economic resilience.