KARACHI: The Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) held a productive meeting with the Hon’ble Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Mr. Rashid Mehmood Langrial, at the FBR office.
Senior representatives from both KTBA and FBR discussed key taxation, policy, and operational issues affecting taxpayers and practitioners nationwide. KTBA President, Mr. Mehmood Bikiya, commended the FBR’s initiatives on digitization, including faceless audits and assessments.
The meeting included participation from senior FBR officials including Mr. Zubair Bilal, Member (Inland Revenue - Operations), Dr. Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, Member (Strategic Transformation), Mr. Sajjad Taslim Azam, Member (Inland Revenue - Policy), and Mr. Zain ul Abideen Sahi, Chief Revenue Domain Officer at Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL).
Representing KTBA were its President, Mr. Mehmood Bikiya, Vice President Mr. Saud ul Hassan, General Secretary Mr. Shams Mohiuddin, along with other distinguished members including former presidents Mr. Anwar Kashif Mumtaz, Mr. Muhammad Zubair, Mr. Khalid Mahmood, and Mr. Rehan Siddiqui.
Key outcomes of the meeting included:
Strengthening IT Infrastructure and Coordination:
KTBA emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between FBR and PRAL to improve IT systems related to tax return filing and digital taxpayer services. The Chairman directed Member (Inland Revenue - Policy), Mr. Zubair Bilal, to engage in monthly coordination meetings with KTBA to address technical challenges and system enhancements.
Establishment of SOP for IT Issue Resolution:
FBR committed to creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with clear timelines to expedite resolution of IT-related issues through PRAL office in Karachi.
Improving Online Return Processes on IRIS:
To streamline communication, the Chairman instructed Mr. Zain ul Abideen Sahi (PRAL) to set up a direct liaison with KTBA, replacing lengthy written correspondence with efficient, real-time communication channels.
Refunds Following Section 7E Ruling:
In response to the Federal Constitutional Court’s decision declaring Section 7E ultra vires, KTBA urged proactive refund processing. The Chairman agreed and tasked the Legal Wing to create a streamlined refund mechanism without requiring taxpayers to go through conventional procedures.
Facilitating Foreign Investment:
KTBA stressed the importance of accelerating tax exemption approvals to encourage foreign investment. The Chairman assured ongoing efforts to simplify and expedite these processes.
Promoting Shopkeepers Scheme Awareness:
Collaborative efforts between Bar Associations and trade bodies were proposed to enhance awareness regarding the Shopkeepers Scheme, with a simplified tax return form anticipated by 10 August 2026.
Ensuring Accurate Tax Reporting:
The Chairman emphasized FBR’s deployment of advanced algorithms to detect under-reporting and misdeclarations. Tax practitioners were urged to guide taxpayers towards accurate and comprehensive filings to ensure compliance.
KTBA extended its appreciation to the Hon’ble Chairman and FBR officials for their time, responsiveness, and cooperative approach. The Karachi Tax Bar Association and the Federal Board of Revenue agreed to maintain regular dialogue and strengthen coordination to enhance tax administration, taxpayer facilitation, and compliance in Pakistan.
