Tax net: time for enforcement

The Express Tribune’s November 8 editorial argues that Pakistan needs stronger tax enforcement to fund public priorities, rather than relying on subsidies and concessional credit. It says relief for registered taxpayers should go alongside efforts to bring undeclared income into the tax system, with safeguards against arbitrary treatment.

The editorial cites the government’s November 3 briefing to a parliamentary committee, where officials said uptake of the Asaan Tax Scheme had been disappointing and enforcement was planned. It reports that FBR has information on about 3.7 million retailers, including identity and utility data for 1.4 million, and notes that net tax receipts reached approximately Rs13 trillion in FY2025-26 against a revised target.

It also highlights the IMF’s call to address under-taxation in agriculture, property and provincial services, and says revenue mobilisation of at least 15% of GDP is needed to support public services. The writer proposes evidence-based audits, easier digital compliance and public reporting of collections, while protecting small farmers and businesses below applicable thresholds.