FBR to launch phased crackdown on 1.4 million unregistered retailers under Asaan Tax Scheme

The FBR plans to begin compulsory action against retailers who have not joined the Asaan Tax Scheme, starting with 6,000 shops and expanding to 1.4 million businesses. Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that penalties would follow the limited response to voluntary registration.

The tax authority has records for about 3.7 million retailers, including CNIC and utility details for 1.4 million, and aims to register the identified businesses by June 2027. Physical mapping of the first 6,000 shops is complete, while possible changes to the scheme are being considered. Disconnecting electricity or gas for persistent non-compliance remains an option under discussion, not an announced measure; the detailed plan is to be presented to the prime minister and shared with the committee.