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Latest News

Panel rejects proposals on carbon levy, surcharge cap, & taxing small vehicle

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance has rejected key proposals in the finance bill 2025-26 which include a Rs 2.50 per liter carbon levy on petroleum products, the removal of the 10% debt servicing surcharge cap on electricity users, and the imposition of a levy on small …

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Govt forms search committee to appoint new HEC chairman

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The federal government has formally initiated a competitive and open process for the appointment of a new Chairman for the Higher Education Commission (HEC). This decision unequivocally puts an end to any further extensions for the current chairperson, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, whose tenure has been a subject …

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PC board approves key power sector reforms & financial adviser appointments

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD:  The Privatisation Commission Board has approved a series of strategic decisions aimed at expanding private sector involvement in Pakistan’s power sector. The decisions were taken during the 235th meeting of the Privatisation Commission (PC) Board held on Wednesday, June 18, at the PC Headquarters in Islamabad. The …

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Pakistan secures $1bn financing from ADB

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD:  The Ministry of Finance has finalized a syndicated term finance facility of USD 1 billion. The landmark financing agreement, backed partially by a Policy-Based Guarantee from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), comes under ADB’s flagship reform program titled “Improved Resource Mobilization & Utilisation Reform”, aimed at enhancing …

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FBR reveals names of politically-linked millers in tax evasion

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial presented a list of sugar mills allegedly involved in billions of rupees worth of tax fraud to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance. According to reliable sources, the owners of these sugar mills include prominent political and …

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FBR tightens grip on non-filers, eyes new revenue streams

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is proposing stringent measures, including requiring FBR approval for future stock market investments by all, and outright barring non-filers from stock market participation. These proposals, discussed during a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Saleem …

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Govt tightens tax fraud rules; solar panel tax sparks controversy

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: As part of broader tax reform measures under Budget 2025-26, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that the government is introducing stricter controls on tax fraud involving fake invoices and tampered records, with arrest powers granted in fraud cases exceeding Rs 50 million. Briefing the Senate Standing …

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Panel approves removal of 18% sales tax on solar panel imports

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance has approved the proposal to remove the 18% sales tax on the import of solar panels, a move that is likely to offer significant tax relief to consumers amid rising electricity prices. The committee meeting, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, gave …

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Govt ends tax exemptions for NGOs, introduces 100% tax credit system

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced that tax exemptions for non-profit organizations (NGOs) in Pakistan have been withdrawn. Instead, NGOs will now be eligible for a 100% tax credit, subject to certain conditions. This was revealed by FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial during a meeting of …

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Panel recommends ending FED on property sales

Aftab Maken ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance has approved several key proposals aimed at improving tax compliance and regulating trade practices, including the abolition of Federal Excise Duty (FED) on property sales. The meeting, held at the Parliament House and chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, reviewed multiple budget-related …

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