Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) needs complete operational autonomy and protection from political interference to improve Pakistan's tax collection system, senior government sources and independent tax experts have said following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's latest directives to restructure and reform the country's principal revenue authority.

The renewed reform initiative has raised questions about whether changes to the FBR's organisational structure alone can improve revenue collection without addressing political influence, administrative weaknesses and unequal enforcement of tax laws.

Senior official sources told The News that Pakistan had introduced various reforms in its taxation system over the past three decades, accompanied by several comprehensive studies and restructuring proposals.

As part of these efforts, the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) was renamed the Federal Board of Revenue, while the tax administration was reorganised into two principal service groups.

The Inland Revenue Service (IRS) was established by bringing together income tax, sales tax and federal excise administration, while Customs continued as a separate service group within the tax machinery.

A new operating model was subsequently introduced through parliamentary legislation, alongside a transformation plan intended to improve efficiency and strengthen revenue administration.

However, official sources maintained that successive restructuring initiatives had failed to deliver the anticipated improvements in institutional performance.

A few years ago, FBR officials were assessed and placed in A, B, C and D performance categories. Certain officers were assigned lower grades on the basis of intelligence-based assessments, while others were designated officers on special duty (OSDs).

According to the sources, some of those officers continue to serve in OSD positions.

The government also introduced a transformation programme supported by loans worth millions of dollars from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Despite these interventions, the revenue authority's overall performance reportedly remained below expectations.

The latest restructuring discussions followed a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister's Office last week, during which a proposal to abolish the existing FBR and establish a new national tax collection agency was considered.

The proposal has prompted debate within the revenue administration over the future institutional structure, allocation of responsibilities and administrative authority.

The Prime Minister's Office has directed the FBR to deliver a comprehensive presentation on October 19, 2026, outlining proposed human resource reforms and options for restructuring and revamping the organisation.

The revenue authority has also been asked to brief the meeting on taxation and revenue issues relating to the tobacco sector.

Meanwhile, the FBR continues to face difficulties in generating the expected revenue from domestic sales tax, intensifying scrutiny of its enforcement capabilities and overall effectiveness.

Independent tax experts have questioned whether the authority can achieve demanding revenue targets while certain influential sectors and individuals remain beyond the effective reach of the tax system.

They argue that assigning ambitious collection responsibilities to the FBR without ensuring consistent enforcement across all taxable sectors undermines the effectiveness of revenue administration.

Experts have therefore emphasised that meaningful reform requires greater institutional independence, protection from politically motivated interference and legally secured tenure for the organisation's top leadership.

According to their assessment, frequent administrative changes and external influence over operational decisions can weaken institutional continuity and reduce the effectiveness of tax enforcement.

One proposal under discussion involves separating the Inland Revenue Service and Customs into independent organisations with distinct administrative structures.

However, some independent tax experts have expressed reservations about the proposal, arguing that establishing separate authorities may not necessarily improve revenue collection.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

Pakistan's National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has issued an urgent cybersecurity advisory warning government departments, financial institutions and organisations operating critical online services about two serious vulnerabilities in PHP based systems that could expose websites and applications to cyberattacks.

The advisory, circulated to federal ministries, government departments, regulatory authorities, public-sector companies, financial institutions and information technology service providers, calls for immediate protective measures to safeguard digital infrastructure, online services and sensitive information.

According to National CERT, two critical vulnerabilities, identified as CVE 2026 109618 and CVE-2026 109619, have been discovered in PHP systems widely used to operate websites, online portals and business applications.

Both vulnerabilities carry severity scores of 9.2 out of 10 under the Common Vulnerability Scoring System, indicating a substantial cybersecurity risk to affected systems.

Successful exploitation could potentially enable unauthorised attackers to execute malicious code remotely, gain access to sensitive information or interfere with normal server operations without requiring prior authentication.

National CERT has directed relevant organisations to identify vulnerable PHP installations, prioritise security updates and strengthen protection for internet-facing applications.

The advisory also emphasises the use of web application firewalls (WAFs) as an additional protective measure against potentially malicious requests and attempts to exploit vulnerable web services.

IT departments and cybersecurity teams have been advised to maintain close monitoring of system logs, identify unusual activity and investigate potential indicators of compromise.

Organisations have also been instructed to report suspected system intrusions, unauthorised access and web shell activity promptly to National CERT Pakistan.

The warning is particularly relevant to organisations operating online financial platforms, government information systems and business applications that depend on affected PHP technologies.

It may also have implications for digital systems used in the property and construction sectors, including online land record services, property transfer portals, housing development platforms, building approval systems and electronic payment services, where those platforms rely on vulnerable PHP installations.

However, the advisory does not establish that any specific Pakistani land records platform, development authority or property portal has been compromised.

The actual exposure of individual services depends on their software versions, hosting environments, security configurations and the measures already implemented by their operators.

International cybersecurity authorities have issued similar warnings following the disclosure of the vulnerabilities.

The PHP development team released emergency security fixes on October 21, 2026, while cybersecurity agencies across several countries urged website administrators and service providers to apply the updates immediately.

Security specialists have emphasised that web application firewalls should supplement, rather than replace, software patching and continuous system monitoring.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

Pakistan is intensifying efforts to attract international investment into its mineral sector as growing global demand for copper, lithium, gold and other critical minerals increases the strategic and economic importance of the country's natural resources.

Pakistan's mineral wealth has been estimated at approximately $8 trillion, with 92 minerals identified across the country and 52 being commercially extracted.

However, the $8 trillion figure represents a broad estimate of mineral potential rather than a verified valuation of economically recoverable reserves.

The government is seeking to translate this resource potential into investment, industrial development and long-term economic activity through greater international engagement and improved infrastructure.

A major initiative in this regard is the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, scheduled to take place on November 12 and 13 at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

The forum is expected to bring together international investors, mining executives, policymakers, financial institutions and technical experts to explore opportunities in mineral exploration, extraction, processing and associated infrastructure development.

Discussions will also address investment regulations, financing requirements, sustainable mining practices and the infrastructure needed to support commercially viable mineral projects.

Global demand for critical minerals has increased alongside the expansion of electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, battery storage technologies and advanced industrial applications.

Copper and lithium, in particular, have gained strategic importance because of their extensive use in electrical infrastructure, batteries and technologies supporting the transition towards cleaner energy.

Pakistan's geological position provides significant opportunities for mineral exploration.

Parts of the country lie within the Tethyan Metallogenic Belt, a major mineral-bearing geological zone extending from southeastern Europe through Türkiye and the Middle East towards the Himalayan region.

The belt is particularly associated with copper and gold mineralisation, providing a geological foundation for large-scale mining developments.

Major mineral projects, including Reko Diq in Balochistan, highlight Pakistan's potential to attract international investment in mineral extraction and supporting infrastructure.

Pakistan's critical minerals prospects received further attention in July 2026 when Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) confirmed the presence of lithium in underground formation water obtained from a high-temperature geothermal well in Sindh.

The discovery was made at the Wahid Bakhsh well in Khairpur district through advanced geochemical analysis of geothermal brine.

According to the company, the lithium concentrations were comparable to those found in certain internationally recognised lithium-bearing geothermal brine resources.

However, the discovery does not establish that large-scale commercial extraction is already feasible.

Further technical studies are required to determine the extent of the resource, suitable extraction technologies, production costs and overall commercial viability.

OGDCL has also initiated cooperation with the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology to explore technologies for lithium extraction and assess the potential for commercial development.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan

Pakistan Railways has initiated fresh measures to lease valuable commercial properties across Karachi, Hyderabad and Rawalpindi divisions as part of efforts to generate revenue from its land holdings and attract private investment in commercial real estate development.

According to auction notices issued by the railway authorities, properties comprising warehouses, existing and newly constructed shops, parking areas, marriage halls, marquees and other commercial facilities in Karachi Division are being offered for leasing through open public auctions.

The properties reportedly include warehouses at prime business locations in Karachi, particularly around I.I. Chundrigar Road, along with railway assets in Hyderabad and Tando Jam.

Under the proposed arrangements, certain properties are intended to be offered on 10-year leases.

Pakistan Railways published an official notice for the open auction of properties in Karachi Division on October 15, 2026, listing November 7, 2026, as the relevant closing date.

In a separate initiative, Pakistan Railways has proposed leasing 12 sites in Rawalpindi Division to private-sector investors and developers for the establishment of commercial projects.

The arrangements are being pursued through the Railway Estate Development and Marketing Company (REDAMCO), a subsidiary associated with the commercial management and development of railway properties.

According to the available advertisement, the Rawalpindi properties are being offered under a public-private partnership model for an initial lease period of 21 years, extendable by another 21 years, potentially bringing the total tenure to 42 years.

The proposed developments may include shopping plazas, commercial markets, corporate offices, retail outlets and factory outlets, depending on the approved land use and individual development arrangements.

The advertised conditions also provide for an annual rental escalation of eight percent on a compound basis and a 24-month mobilisation period following possession.

Construction activities would be required to comply with applicable local building regulations and other relevant approvals.

The leasing initiative forms part of Pakistan Railways' broader efforts to improve the commercial utilisation of its land assets and develop recurring revenue streams.

For private developers, construction companies and commercial investors, the proposed arrangements could provide opportunities to establish retail, office and mixed-use projects on strategically located railway land.

However, the publication of auction notices does not constitute the final award of leases. Successful bidders, contractual obligations, lease values and project implementation schedules will become clear after the relevant procurement and approval processes have been completed.

The latest measures follow an earlier successful auction of 125 commercial warehouses at Badami Bagh in Lahore.

According to an official government announcement issued on October 1, the annual lease revenue from those warehouses increased from Rs 72.2 million to Rs 331.08 million following the auction.

The department is also expected to receive an upfront security deposit of Rs 277.72 million under the revised arrangements.

The new leasing initiatives in Karachi, Hyderabad and Rawalpindi indicate a continued emphasis on commercial property development, asset monetisation and private-sector participation in the utilisation of Pakistan Railways' land holdings.

The eventual economic benefits will depend on competitive bidding, transparent agreements, investment commitments and the timely execution of approved commercial projects.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan

The Punjab government has initiated a review of alternative electricity supply arrangements for Lahore's Sundar Industrial Estate and the Orange Line Metro Train, aiming to identify more competitive and commercially viable power procurement options for the two major electricity consumers.

The matter was discussed during a meeting chaired by Punjab Energy Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, where officials examined existing electricity supply arrangements, operational requirements and potential alternatives for procuring power at competitive rates.

A key focus of the meeting was the possibility of purchasing electricity through the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM), a framework designed to facilitate bilateral electricity transactions between eligible buyers and sellers, subject to applicable market rules and regulatory requirements.

The provincial government directed the relevant departments to prepare a comprehensive presentation covering the technical, financial and administrative requirements associated with implementing alternative electricity procurement arrangements.

Officials also considered the potential utilisation of available solar power generation resources as part of efforts to explore economically viable electricity supply options.

Sundar Industrial Estate, one of Punjab's significant industrial hubs, accommodates numerous factories, manufacturing facilities and warehouses. A reliable and competitively priced electricity supply is essential for businesses operating within the estate, where energy expenditure represents a substantial component of overall production and operating costs.

The proposed exploration of competitive electricity procurement could potentially reduce operating expenses for industrial units if suitable supply arrangements are secured at commercially viable rates.

However, any actual financial savings would depend on the final electricity purchase price, transmission and related charges, contractual conditions and other applicable costs.

The Orange Line Metro Train has also been included in the review, indicating the provincial government's interest in assessing alternative procurement models for major public transport infrastructure alongside industrial consumers.

Although both facilities require substantial electricity supplies, their operational characteristics and consumption patterns differ. Separate technical and commercial evaluations would therefore be necessary to determine the suitability of any proposed procurement arrangement.

Importantly, no final electricity supply agreement or revised tariff has been announced. The initiative remains at the evaluation stage, and the government has not disclosed the proposed supply capacity, electricity source, pricing structure or duration of any potential agreement.

The next stage will involve detailed technical and financial assessments before a decision on implementation can be made.

For businesses operating in Sundar Industrial Estate, the commercial implications will become clearer only if the proposal advances to an approved electricity supply agreement. Until then, existing electricity supply and billing arrangements will continue to determine operational energy costs.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan

The Punjab government has approved more than 224,000 interest-free housing loan applications under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme, while the provincial cabinet has sanctioned an additional Rs60 billion to facilitate 40,000 more housing loans for eligible families across the province.

Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin shared the updated figures while reviewing the programme’s implementation and construction progress in various divisions.

The initiative is aimed at enabling eligible families to build homes on their own residential plots through interest-free financial assistance.

According to the available divisional figures, the programme has recorded significant beneficiary participation in Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore and Faisalabad, among other areas. The combined figure for eight divisions stands at 195,862.

In a separate development, the Punjab cabinet approved an allocation of Rs60 billion on October 20, 2026, to support another 40,000 interest-free housing loans.

The allocation represents an average provision of Rs1.5 million per loan, although actual disbursements will depend on the programme's financing arrangements and eligibility requirements.

The cabinet also decided against imposing stamp duty on loans under the housing scheme.

The figure of more than 224,000 approved loan applications represents cumulative approvals under the programme rather than loans newly sanctioned during October. The latest allocation of Rs60 billion is a separate financial commitment intended to expand the programme’s reach.

Importantly, loan approval, disbursement and completion of construction represent separate stages. Approval does not necessarily indicate that beneficiaries have received their full loan amounts or completed construction of their homes.

Construction activities financed through the programme are progressing across different parts of Punjab, while the additional funding is expected to extend interest free housing finance to more eligible households.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan

The Punjab government has introduced significant changes to its stamp duty system, exempting gift deeds between specified close relatives and reducing the duty on other gift deeds from two percent to one percent.

The changes have been introduced through the Stamp (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, issued by the Punjab governor to amend the Stamp Act, 1899. The ordinance was published in an extraordinary issue of the Punjab Gazette on October 20, 2026, and took effect immediately.

Under the revised framework, exchanges of immovable properties of equal value will attract a fixed stamp duty of Rs1,000. Government leases have also been exempted from stamp duty, alongside gift deeds between the specified categories of close relatives.

Residential tenancy agreements will be subject to fixed stamp duty ranging from Rs3,000 to Rs25,000, with the applicable amount determined by the annual rent.

The amendments also empower the Board of Revenue to amend and revise land valuation tables. The government has additionally decided to expand the e-stamping system.

The measures are intended to modernise stamp duty collection, address legal ambiguities and improve the administrative procedures governing revenue collection.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has told the National Assembly that the incumbent government has reclaimed 200,000 acres of railway land and pledged to recover all remaining railway land occupied by public and private entities.

Responding to questions from Sahibzada Sibghatullah, Nisar Ahmad Jatt, Pir Fazal Shah and Syed Rafiullah Shah during Question Hour, the minister outlined measures concerning the recovery of railway land and improvements to rail infrastructure.

Abbasi said work on the railway line from Karachi to Rohri would begin next year with support from the Asian Development Bank. He said 480 kilometres of new railway track would be laid at a cost of $2.5 billion.

The minister said the Karachi–Rohri section forms part of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, while discussions are continuing on laying the railway line from Rohri to Multan.