Laws & Taxes

SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad prioritizes economic stability over aggressive rate cuts, citing Pakistan's post-crisis phase with 5-7% inflation, current account surplus, and recovering reserves. Focus shifts to sustainable growth via development finance, as sharp easing risks inflation rebound; exporter aids include tariff cuts and Export Finance tweaks amid $7B IMF EFF ending 2027.

The FBR has officially increased property valuations in Islamabad by 15% to 75% via a new notification (SRO.163), though DHA areas remain notably excluded. The updated framework sets building values at Rs3,000 per sq. ft. for structures up to five years old and Rs1,500 for older ones. While rural areas will still follow DC rates, the FBR clarified that the higher value will always apply in case of a conflict. This revised policy follows a brief suspension of previous, more aggressive rates to accommodate feedback from real estate stakeholders.

Saudi and Kuwaiti investors with a 30.7% stake in K-Electric filed a $2 billion arbitration case against Pakistan on January 16, 2026, alleging regulatory blocks on a $1.77B sale to Shanghai Electric, unpaid subsidies, tariff meddling, and fund diversions. The dispute, ongoing since 2016, claims breaches of OIC and bilateral treaties, risking Pakistan's investor trust.

Punjab orders strict enforcement of 2022 Building Safety Regulations province-wide, with legal action for violations. Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired a Lahore meeting revealing surveys of 2,214 high-rises, Rs 2B fire service expansion, and Rescue 1122's feats (280K+ fires handled, Rs 768B saved). Upgrades align with CM Maryam Nawaz's vision; businesses urged to comply.

In response to an IMF diagnostic report highlighting institutional weaknesses, the federal government has formed a 15-member high-level committee to overhaul Pakistan’s economic governance. Led by the Finance Minister, the panel is tasked with strengthening accountability and institutional capacity, a move the IMF estimates could boost GDP by 5% to 6.5% over the medium term. The committee includes top officials from the State Bank, SECP, and various ministries, and will submit progress reports to the Prime Minister on a quarterly basis.

Pakistan's State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reserves rose by $13 million to $15.915 billion as of December 26, 2025, contributing to total liquid reserves of $21.012 billion despite a slight drop in commercial banks' holdings. This provides about 3.2 months of import cover amid ongoing debt pressures. The improvement marks a strong recovery from 2023 lows below $3 billion, aided by IMF support and bilateral aid, while domestic gold prices fell Rs2,400 per tola to Rs454,562.

Pakistan's economy grew 3.71 percent in Q1 FY26 (July-September), up from 1.56 percent last year but down from the prior quarter's 6.17 percent due to weak demand and floods. Industrial output surged 9.38 percent, agriculture rose 2.89 percent despite crop declines, and services increased 2.35 percent. SBP projects 4 percent FY26 growth, with the government targeting 4.2 percent.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sealed two sugar mills in central Punjab for violating sales tax laws, including Section 40C of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, and related rules mandating sugar sector monitoring. In parallel, FBR suspended six officials for unauthorized absence from monitoring duties, initiating disciplinary action to enforce accountability. These steps underscore FBR's zero-tolerance policy on tax non-compliance and internal misconduct, aiming to protect revenue and ensure transparency.

Government borrowing from banks has risen to Rs672 billion in the first half of FY26, reversing last year’s debt retirement trend. The State Bank of Pakistan reports that 86 per cent of the fiscal deficit is financed through banks, limiting liquidity for the private sector. Analysts expect higher borrowing in the second half due to revenue shortfalls. Despite increased dividend transfers of Rs2.7 trillion in FY25, reliance on domestic sources remains high as external funding lags. Meanwhile, the World Bank has approved $700 million under a $1.35 billion initiative to help Pakistan strengthen fiscal management and boost public sector efficiency.