KARACHI: The Large Taxpayers Office (LTO) Karachi has indicated that the salaried class may receive some much-needed relief in the forthcoming federal budget 2025–26.
This announcement came during a dialogue between senior tax officials and industrial leaders at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI).
Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, LTO Karachi, Zubair Bilal, shared these remarks while addressing businessmen and KATI members. He acknowledged the financial strain faced by the salaried segment and assured that salary taxpayers remain on the government’s radar for targeted relief measures. He emphasized that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is committed to reforms, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
The LTO Karachi is the primary revenue-collecting unit of the FBR, and its signals regarding relief carry significant weight in shaping expectations for the federal budget.
During his speech, Bilal urged KATI and other business stakeholders to compile detailed budget proposals. “We encourage collaboration. Proposals will be reviewed, endorsed by LTO Karachi, and forwarded to senior policymakers for inclusion in the budget,” he said. He also proposed monthly consultative meetings to address sector-specific issues.
Zubair Bilal highlighted that a fair and growth-oriented tax policy benefits all, stating, “A thriving industry increases profits, generates employment, and raises tax revenues.” He also acknowledged that industries are burdened by compliance with numerous regulations imposed by over 50 federal and provincial bodies.
KATI President Junaid Naqi strongly advocated for fairness in the tax system, especially for salary earners and legitimate businesses. He raised concerns about the misuse of authority by some FBR officers, who issue excessive notices and freeze accounts unjustly. Naqi also opposed recent tax ordinance amendments, particularly those allowing FBR officials to be stationed inside industrial units, calling it unconstitutional.
