The government is preparing to bring Pakistan’s growing cryptocurrency market under a formal tax framework, with proposals under consideration to impose a capital gains tax ranging from 15 to 30 percent on crypto trading. The move is expected to become part of the upcoming federal budget and reflects broader efforts to regulate digital financial activities […]
IMF reforms
Gas prices likely to rise after subsidy reform plan
Domestic gas consumers in Pakistan may soon face higher utility bills after the government decided to gradually end nearly Rs140 billion in cross-subsidies currently supporting the gas sector. Officials from the Petroleum Ministry said the subsidy system will be phased out by January 2027 as part of broader economic reforms promised to the International Monetary […]
Government plans to end Rs140bn gas subsidy system
The government has decided to phase out the Rs140 billion cross-subsidy currently provided to gas consumers as part of its economic reform commitments linked to the International Monetary Fund programme. According to officials from Pakistan’s Petroleum Division, the government has assured the International Monetary Fund that the subsidy mechanism will be fully eliminated by January […]
Punjab converts 2,115 regular doctors posts into temporary positions
LAHORE: The Punjab government has converted 2,115 regular posts of general cadre doctors in the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD) into locum (temporary) positions, sparking widespread resentment within the medical community. Read More: Over 50% of Pakistani doctors migrating abroad, Senate says The decision follows approval by the provincial cabinet on December 15 of the “Punjab […]
IMF Reforms Can Boost Pakistan’s Growth
The new IMF reforms report has created strong debate across Pakistan. Many critics wrongly treat the document as a judgment on the current government. However, the IMF prepared the report at Pakistan’s request and with full cooperation. It reviews decades-old governance issues that limit growth. It aims to guide future reforms and support programme monitoring. […]
FBR widens asset disclosure rules to boost transparency
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has expanded the category of officials required to publicly declare their assets, marking a major regulatory shift aimed at enhancing transparency and aligning with reported conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The revised framework broadens the scope of public servants whose financial disclosures will now be […]
Govt drafting new auto policy to align with IMF-backed tariff reforms
KARACHI: As Pakistan’s existing auto policy approaches its expiry in June 2026, the government is finalising the Auto Industry Policy 2026–31, aimed at creating a more open and competitive automotive market. The Engineering Development Board (EDB) is leading consultations with vehicle assemblers, parts manufacturers, and importers of used vehicles to shape the new framework. Officials […]
Government establishes Tax Policy Office under IMF plan
ISLAMABAD — The federal government has officially launched a Tax Policy Office (TPO) aimed at reforming Pakistan’s tax framework and aligning it with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s structural reform requirements. According to the Finance Ministry, key appointments have been finalized, and the office will begin work next week to develop tax policies for the […]