Govt seeks business input on taxation ahead of federal budget

April 17, 2026 (MLN): Development emerged as Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kayani, held a meeting with representatives of the business community at the Finance Division to discuss matters related to the forthcoming federal budget and taxation reforms.

The meeting was led by Haji Mehr Ghulam Mujtaba, President Central Anjuman-e-Tajiran Sialkot, and Sheikh Fazal ur Rehman Babar Khuran, President Anjuman-e-Tajiran Gujranwala.

The engagement is part of a broader outreach initiative being carried out by the Ministry of Finance, Tax Policy Office, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) with traders and business stakeholders.

Welcoming the participants, the minister highlighted the key role of Sialkot and Gujranwala in Pakistan’s export economy and industrial production.

He stated that the main objective of the consultation process was to gather practical and constructive input from the trader community to design a more efficient, equitable, and business-friendly taxation system.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the tax base while facilitating ease of doing business and reducing compliance burdens for traders and the wider business community.

He also emphasized that ongoing and future tax reforms would be strengthened through direct consultation with stakeholders having first-hand knowledge of market dynamics, urging traders to present practical proposals for broadening the tax base and ensuring registration and tax filing of all traders.

During the meeting, trader representatives shared their views on taxation issues, including the implementation of Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, documentation requirements, and the need to simplify existing procedures.

They stressed the importance of transparency, facilitation, and building trust between taxpayers and tax authorities, while expressing satisfaction over the government’s outreach efforts ahead of the budget process.

The minister assured the participants that the government remains committed to addressing genuine concerns of the business community and is actively pursuing reforms aimed at improving fairness, reducing procedural complexity, and strengthening confidence in the taxation framework.

He reaffirmed that all proposed measures would be developed in close consultation with stakeholders to ensure smooth and effective implementation.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Aqeel Kapoor, President Sialkot Kiryana (Grocery) Association; Mr. Sheikh Zubair, President Sports Market Sialkot; and Mr. Sher Khan, Vice President Sarafa (Gold & Jewelry) Association Sialkot.

Also present were Mr. Irfan Mir, Media Coordinator Sialkot; Mr. Sheikh Ayub Green Merchant, President Sialkot and Senior Vice President Central Anjuman-e-Tajiran Sialkot; and Mr. Shiraz Warraich, President Swiss and Bags Sialkot.

Mr. Mirza Maqsood Ahmed Baig, President Ghala Mandi (Grain Market) Sialkot, participated virtually, while Mr. Muhammad Ajmal Butt from Gujranwala also attended the meeting.

Senior officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), including representatives from the Tax Policy Office, were also present.

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