Karachi: May 13, 2026:Advisor to the Finance Minister, Mr. Khurram Schehzad, said that the government remains focused on two key objectives: enhancing tax collection and ensuring that tax policy is aligned with the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusivity. He observed that under the social contract between the State and citizens, public resources must be mobilised and utilised in a transparent and welfare-oriented manner.
He expressed these views while addressing the opening ceremony of the two-day workshop titled “Pakistan’s Evolving Tax Landscape: Challenges, Opportunities & Innovations,” jointly organised by the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) and Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) in Karachi.
The Advisor highlighted that the government has introduced important institutional reforms by separating tax policy formulation from tax administration and collection functions. He noted that the Tax Policy Office has now been structured independently to strengthen transparency, improve policy design, and enhance administrative efficiency.
Inviting participants to contribute research, proposals, and practical recommendations to the Tax Policy Office, Mr. Schehzad stressed the importance of a collaborative and long-term approach towards reform. He said that while no system is perfect, the government remains committed to strengthening the economy through sustainable reforms, improved governance, and broader taxpayer facilitation.
Providing an overview of the economy, the Advisor stated that multiple sectors are showing encouraging signs of recovery and improvement despite regional and global challenges. He said the government’s reform and growth agenda is being advanced through macroeconomic stabilisation, structural reforms, Digital Pakistan initiatives, energy sector reforms, tariff rationalisation, privatisation, pension and debt reforms, and rightsizing measures.
Commenting on the economic outlook, Mr. Schehzad said that Pakistan’s economic growth during the first half of the current fiscal year stood at approximately 3.8 percent. He emphasised the importance of achieving durable and sustainable growth instead of cyclical recoveries followed by repeated external stabilisation measures.
He noted that improving fiscal and external indicators are reinforcing macroeconomic stability, strengthening public finances, and supporting investor confidence. Referring to recent fiscal performance, he highlighted that Pakistan has achieved historically strong primary surpluses alongside significant fiscal consolidation, contributing to improved sovereign credibility and economic resilience.
The Advisor further stated that Digital Pakistan reforms are being pursued at both micro and macro levels, including the introduction of user-friendly digital platforms aimed at expanding access to banking and financial services across the country.
Mr. Schehzad said that tariff reforms under the National Tariff Policy 2025–30 represent an important step towards enhancing productivity, improving industrial competitiveness, supporting exports, and integrating Pakistan more effectively with regional and global markets.
He added that the government’s broader reform agenda is aimed at reducing structural inefficiencies, improving the performance of state-owned enterprises, and creating a more competitive and investment-friendly economy. He also noted that Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms are receiving increasing international recognition, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s economic direction.
The Advisor appreciated the active participation of young professionals and emerging experts in discussions on tax policy, terming their engagement an important contribution towards strengthening the national economy. He expressed hope that constructive proposals and recommendations emerging from the workshop would support future policy formulation and implementation.
Among those present at the event were Chairman PTBA Academy of Taxation, President KTBA, corporate leaders, and tax professionals.
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