KARACHI: The Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) organized its annual post-budget seminar for the fiscal year 2025–2026 on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Hotel Mövenpick, Karachi.
The seminar offered a comprehensive overview of the federal budget, with a particular focus on direct and indirect taxation measures. The event aimed to provide professional insights into recent fiscal policies and the government's strategies for enhancing tax enforcement and expanding revenue generation.
The seminar featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Mr. Zubair Bilal, Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, LTO Karachi; Anwar Kashif Mumtaz, President, Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA); and Abdul Qadir Memon, Chairman, PTBA Academy of Taxation. Legal and tax experts such as Abid H. Shaban (Advocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan), Mr. Haider Ali Patel (Partner, EY Ford Rhodes), Mr. Adnan Mufti (Partner, Moore Shekha Mufti), Mr. Muhammad Raza (Partner, A.F. Ferguson & Co.), and Mr. Ali A. Rahim (President, KTBA) also contributed to the deliberations. The session was moderated by Mr. Muhammad Mehmood Bikiya, Convenor, CPE Committee, and Partner at A.F. Ferguson & Co.
Mr. Haider Ali Patel, FCA, delivered an in-depth presentation on direct tax reforms, highlighting key areas such as taxation of the digital economy, adjustments in salary taxation, and revisions to the super tax regime. He also addressed revenue enhancement measures introduced in the new fiscal framework. Meanwhile, Mr. Adnan Mufti, FCA, elaborated on indirect tax developments, with emphasis on E-commerce taxation and mechanisms to counter tax fraud.
Speakers raised concerns about the potential socioeconomic impact of the budget, particularly the burden of taxation on lower-income groups. Discussions underscored the need for a balanced approach that ensures both fiscal sustainability and equitable economic growth.
The seminar concluded with an engaging panel discussion and an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to further explore the practical implications of the budgetary changes. Closing remarks from the chief guests emphasized the critical role of tax professionals in fostering compliance and contributing to policy dialogue. Commemorative mementos were presented, followed by a formal vote of thanks.
KTBA’s post-budget seminar remains a vital platform for fostering informed debate among tax practitioners, businesses, and policymakers, offering critical insights into the evolving fiscal landscape of Pakistan.
