ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani has announced that the government plans to bring approximately 3.5 million shopkeepers into the tax net during the current fiscal year as part of efforts to broaden the country’s tax base and strengthen the economy.
Speaking during the debate on the federal budget for 2026-27 in the National Assembly, Kayani said the initiative is designed to increase tax compliance among traders and improve revenue collection.
He stated that around 3.5 million retailers and shopkeepers are expected to be registered under the new drive during the fiscal year. According to the minister, the government intends to encourage voluntary compliance by offering certain incentives to registered businesses.
One of the key measures announced is the issuance of special green-colored identification plates by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to registered traders. The plates are expected to serve as a visible sign of tax registration and compliance.
Kayani further said that registered traders would benefit from a limited audit framework under normal circumstances, reducing concerns about frequent tax scrutiny and encouraging more businesses to formally join the tax system.
The minister emphasized that expanding the tax net remains a priority for the government as it seeks to improve fiscal stability and reduce reliance on existing taxpayers. He added that the initiative aims not only to increase government revenues but also to promote a more documented economy.
According to the government, bringing a larger number of traders into the formal tax system will help strengthen national finances and support broader economic development goals.
The announcement comes as Pakistan continues implementing revenue-enhancing measures outlined in the federal budget, with authorities seeking to improve tax collection and widen participation across various sectors of the economy.