ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced major relief for Pakistan’s business community by agreeing to recover pending super tax liabilities in easy installments, following sharp criticism from senators over aggressive enforcement actions.
Chairman FBR Rashid Mahmood Langrial informed the Senate Standing Committee on Finance that the actual super tax arrears amount to Rs217 billion, rejecting media reports claiming liabilities had surged to Rs300 billion. He assured lawmakers that no businesses would be sealed or forcibly shut down due to super tax recovery and confirmed that the FBR is prepared to facilitate taxpayers through installment-based payments.
During the committee meeting, several senators expressed concern that long-standing taxpayers were facing repeated harassment, including threats of bank account freezes and arrests, creating uncertainty and panic across commercial markets. Members urged the tax authority to adopt a more cooperative approach instead of coercive recovery measures.
Responding to these concerns, Langrial emphasized that the FBR aims to improve compliance through engagement rather than force, reiterating the authority’s willingness to resolve outstanding dues amicably.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of sustainable growth in Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio for long-term economic stability. He clarified that the super tax is not linked to Pakistan’s IMF loan program and assured parliamentarians that the Senate committee would be consulted during preparations for the upcoming federal budget.
The latest development signals a shift toward a more business-friendly tax environment, offering relief to struggling enterprises while maintaining the government’s revenue targets.
