Karachi, September 10, 2025 – The SITE Association of Industry (SAI) has voiced strong criticism of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the sudden implementation of the e-invoicing system, saying it has created widespread confusion and operational hurdles across the business community.
SAI President Ahmed Azeem Alvi stated that the abrupt enforcement of e-invoicing without prior consultation or adequate training has left many businesses struggling to comply with the new framework. According to him, the lack of awareness campaigns and technical guidance has only deepened the uncertainty, making compliance both cumbersome and impractical for taxpayers.
Alvi further explained that businesses already face day-to-day challenges in documentation and returns, and the untested e-invoicing system has aggravated these difficulties. He noted that industries frequently deal with goods being returned, either partially or fully, yet the current system does not provide a clear method to handle reverse filing. This absence of clarity, both legal and technical, has put businesses in a vulnerable position where mistakes could lead to penalties.
The SAI chief urged the FBR to organize awareness sessions, seek feedback from industrial stakeholders, and streamline the procedures to make the e-invoicing process workable. He emphasized that reforms should be designed to simplify operations rather than add layers of bureaucracy.
Appealing to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Alvi stressed that business facilitation must take priority. He concluded that only through collaboration and practical adjustments can the system achieve its intended goals of transparency and efficiency.