ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Friday that the government was working to simplify tax procedures and help retailers meet their tax obligations by bringing them onto the tax roll.

The minister reviewed progress on the retailers’ tax scheme and discussed measures to facilitate registration and broaden the tax base. State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar and Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Rashid Mahmood Langrial attended the meeting.

An official announcement said the meeting reviewed progress and measures to speed up compliance with the scheme. The meeting was held at a time when the response from the traders was below expectations.

Mr Aurangzeb emphasised that the scheme offers a simplified route for retailers to join the formal tax system and contribute to the country’s economic development. The minister emphasised the need to assess implementation experience and address operational matters to ensure its success.

The meeting reviewed progress on registrations and tax returns under the scheme, including existing taxpayer participation and applicable tax payment requirements.

The meeting also discussed efforts to identify and map unregistered retailers using available data and relevant identification records. The FBR briefed the meeting on data validation and the need to ensure that registration records accurately reflect the businesses concerned.

The minister emphasised a balanced approach that combines taxpayer facilitation with targeted, well-documented measures.

Emphasising the scheme’s longer-term purpose, Mr Aurangzeb noted that the Retailers’ Tax Scheme should not be seen as a one-year arrangement limited to 2026. It is intended to provide a simplified route for small retailers to enter and remain in the formal tax system in the years ahead.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026