Mobile Service Providers in Pakistan Collect Rs. 84.24 Billion in Taxes
Pakistan’s mobile service providers collected a substantial Rs. 84.24 billion in taxes from consumers between July 2024 and March 2025, according to data shared by the Ministry of Finance during the National Assembly’s question hour session.
Tax Deposited into National Exchequer
The Ministry clarified that the taxes collected by mobile companies are directly deposited into the national exchequer, contributing significantly to the national revenue.
Read More: Government Plans to Reduce Tax Burden on Salaried Class
FBR Registers New Taxpayers
In addition, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reported a positive trend in tax compliance, registering 2.39 million new taxpayers through recent tax amendment legislation. As of April 29, 2025, the total number of individuals who submitted tax returns has risen to 6.59 million, including 106,118 Association of Persons (AOPs) and 93,749 companies.
Privatization Program Update
The session also covered updates on the government’s privatization program. The Cabinet Committee on Privatization approved the sell-off of 24 public sector entities, with the process slated to unfold in three phases over the next five years. The first phase, expected to conclude within a year, will include the privatization of major entities such as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), First Women Bank, House Building Finance Corporation, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), Pakistan Engineering Company (PECO), and several power distribution companies like IESCO, GEPCO, and FESCO.
Poverty Survey Update
The Ministry of Planning informed the Assembly that no nationwide poverty survey has been conducted since 2018. The most recent survey found that 21.9% of the population was living below the poverty line. A new survey has been completed and is set to be published before the end of the next year, according to Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
These updates highlight significant developments in taxation, privatization, and poverty monitoring, all of which are crucial for the country’s economic outlook.
