Laws & Taxes

SECP and Mobilink Bank have signed an MoU to simplify corporate account openings for SECP-registered companies. The collaboration will roll out in two phases, including data verification through SECP’s FI Portal and later, full digital integration via secure APIs. The initiative aims to boost transparency, improve regulatory compliance, and enhance ease of doing business while promoting financial inclusion for SMEs and MSMEs across Pakistan.

Pakistan's Senate IT Committee is taking a firm stand against the FBR, decrying what it calls "crippling" taxes on e-commerce that stifle digital growth. The panel, led by Senator Palwasha Khan, is pushing for tax relief and improved telecom services, while also tackling issues from inadequate cellular coverage in rural areas to decades-old spectrum disputes.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has suspended the controversial QR code login requirement for its “IRIS” tax system. The decision, which resolves a taxpayer’s complaint filed with the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), simplifies the login process and marks a responsive step by the FBR to address user-specific issues with its digital platform.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan has developed a new AI-powered application to fight human smuggling and simplify the immigration process. The app, which is set to be piloted at Islamabad airport, was praised by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as a "need of the hour" initiative that will help stop human trafficking and reduce long wait times for travelers. The minister also announced plans to modernize the FIA's IT infrastructure and headquarters and greenlit immediate recruitment to address staff shortages.

A legal challenge is brewing in Pakistan as the Punjab government’s decision to impose sales tax on commercial property rentals faces scrutiny. The move has been criticized as double taxation, as the same rental income is already subject to federal income tax. This new provincial tax, enacted under the legislative authority granted by the Eighteenth Amendment, has opened a constitutional debate on whether a single income stream can be taxed by both federal and provincial governments, setting the stage for a new round of litigation.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched a new digital system to combat real estate fraud in Pakistan. This secure online platform offers a centralized database for verifying property records, including NOC status, ownership details, and approved plans. Users can check plot information with a few clicks, receive an official verification document, and protect themselves from scams like fake documentation and unauthorized allotments. This initiative by NAB aims to enhance transparency and security in the property market.

Islamabad’s property landscape is shifting as the Capital Development Authority implements a substantial increase in property transfer fees, tripling them from 1% to 3%. Effective July 1, 2025, this new fee structure, based on FBR valuation rates, impacts all urban CDA sectors, though some relief is offered for family-related transfers. Discover what this means for your next property transaction in the capital.

Pakistani nationals holding UAE Golden Visas are now under intense scrutiny as a major crackdown targets undeclared real estate investments in Dubai and the UAE. Authorities are cross-referencing immigration data with tax filings to uncover undisclosed properties, rental incomes, and unpaid Capital Value Tax. This development highlights the challenges of tracing assets acquired through informal channels and raises critical questions for investors.

In a significant victory for consumers and the environment, a National Assembly panel has unanimously rejected the proposed 18% sales tax on solar panel imports. Furthermore, the government has confirmed it will withdraw the controversial tax increase on hybrid vehicles. This pivotal decision rolls back two highly debated budget measures, offering relief and renewed optimism for sustainable solutions in Pakistan.