The FBR has once again fallen short of its monthly tax collection goal, marking the fourth consecutive month of missed targets. According to officials, the authority collected Rs878 billion in November, far below the target of Rs1,034 billion.
The shortfall has already reached Rs156 billion. Officials expect minor improvement as some revenue is still being recorded from the month’s final working day. However, the FBR is still likely to miss the target by a wide margin.
The government has set a higher target of Rs1,406 billion for December. The rise reflects efforts to meet revised annual goals that were recently agreed with the International Monetary Fund.
Five-month performance shows widening gap
The FBR is also struggling to meet cumulative targets for the first five months of the fiscal year. From July to November, the authority collected Rs4,715 billion. The required amount for this period was Rs5,083 billion, leaving a significant gap.
Official documents show the monthly breakdown:
- July: Rs757 billion collected against a Rs748 billion target
- August: Rs901 billion collected against a Rs950 billion target
- September: Rs1,228 billion collected against a Rs1,325 billion target
- October: Rs951 billion collected against a Rs1,026 billion target
- November: Rs878 billion collected against a Rs1,034 billion target
Officials say the repeated shortfalls reflect several pressures. These include weak economic activity, high inflation, reduced imports, and ongoing recovery challenges linked to last year’s floods.
Revised annual target linked to IMF programme
Pakistan’s annual tax target has been revised to Rs13.9 trillion. It was originally set at Rs14,131 billion in the 2025–26 budget. The adjustment was made in consultation with the IMF because flood damage lowered revenue potential.
With five months already behind the required pace, the authority faces a difficult road ahead. Officials say meeting the full-year target will require stronger enforcement and an improvement in economic indicators.
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The FBR is expected to update the government again next month as it works to narrow the growing revenue gap.
