Transparency, taxation & reforms
Macroeconomic conditions have improved over the course of the program. Growth of 2 percent is expected in FY24 given continued recovery in the second half of the fiscal year. The…
Striking delicate balance between transparency and dispute resolution
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) has become an essential mechanism for resolving tax disputes efficiently and cost-effectively, avoiding the lengthy and expensive process of litigation. By providing a more flexible and…
Export-led growth and effective tax management: Leveraging Digital Product Passport
As the EU tightens its regulations, many countries view compliance as a mere obligation, but the implications of this can have benefits far beyond maintaining trade relations. By aligning with…
SOEs burden on taxpayers no surprise
Conventional economic theory argues that pursuit of privatisation is to enhance service quality, attract private investment, reduce government intervention and improve accountability and transparency in the management of public assets.…
AI-led taxation
It was famously said by Benjamin Franklin, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes”. Perhaps Benjamin was unaware of the lagging efficient administration, shallow policy orchestrations, and…
Fixing taxation
AN essential component of any progressing economy is the taxation system. However, Pakistan’s tax regime is grappling with issues often faced by developing economies: low compliance, inefficiencies, and a narrow…
Punjab Agricultural Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2024
The Punjab Agricultural Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2024 is a significant legislative initiative aimed at modernizing and broadening the agricultural taxation framework in Punjab the Punjab government has passed the…
Countering sales tax frauds
Globally, tax crimes have always been a significant threat to economic stability and governance. These offences that include tax evasion, fake invoicing, refund fraud, and misreporting of income, lead to…
Tobacco taxes – treaties, tensions, and trends
Pakistan faces a pressing need for a sustainable tobacco taxation policy, particularly as tobacco use imposes severe health and economic burdens on the country. With over 160,000 deaths annually due…
Tax burdens and fiscal discipline
After an inflation-ridden Fiscal Year 2023-24 (“FY24”), wherein the average inflation for the FY24 was 23.4%, there was some hope that the budget for the FY25 may bring respite to…
