Govt Committed to Reducing Tax Burden Through Structural Reforms: Kiyani
LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Sep, 2026) Minister of State for Finance & Revenue and Railways Bilal Azhar Kiyani stated on Saturday that the government has implemented significant tax relief and structural reforms to alleviate the burden on businesses, exporters, salaried individuals, and small traders. He also emphasized efforts to transform the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) into a more transparent, customer-friendly, and technology-driven entity.
Kiyani highlighted the following measures:
- Complete abolition of "super tax" for exporters and businesses with annual incomes between Rs 150 million and Rs 500 million.
- Reduction of the corporate tax rate from 10% to 8% for companies earning more than Rs 500 million.
- Decrease in the tax deduction on export proceeds from 2% to 1.25% for exporters.
- Introduction of a new tax operating model featuring centralized and faceless audit and assessment mechanisms to minimize individual discretion, harassment, and collusion.
He made these remarks while addressing the business community at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), where he was welcomed by LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol. Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, former FPCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar, former LCCI President Malik Tahir Javed, FBR Commissioners Amna Kamal and Shabana Aziz, and members of the LCCI Executive Committee were also present.
LCCI President's Welcome Address
In his opening remarks, LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol noted that the Lahore Chamber represents approximately 48,000 member businesses, comprising traders, industries, and SMEs. He highlighted the chamber's growth from around 32,000 to 48,000 members during 2024-26.
He expressed appreciation for Bilal Azhar Kiyani’s role and engagement with the business community, particularly regarding discussions on SIFC-related matters. He noted positive economic developments in Pakistan, including record remittances of USD 41.6 billion and Moody's upgrade of Pakistan's credit rating to B3.
However, Saigol identified taxation, the cost of doing business, and energy tariffs as major challenges. He specifically raised concerns about:
- High electricity tariffs
- Enforcement actions by LDA, RUDA, and EPA-related issues
- Rapid conversion of agricultural land into housing schemes
He urged the government to protect Pakistan's productive agricultural land and broaden the tax base. Furthermore, he expressed concern over the proposed relocation of 8,000 to 10,000 industries, emphasizing the lack of suitable industrial zones and infrastructure in Pakistan, making relocation both costly and time-consuming. He called for a practical and consultative approach to industrial relocation and relief for SMEs and existing industries.