NA passes key reform bills amid PTI's protest
A charged session of the National Assembly on Monday combined political protests, major fiscal disclosures, and the passage of several important legislative bills. The proceedings opened with an attention notice on tax evasion and revenue collection, presented by Syed Hafeezuddin, prompting a detailed response from Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Record-Breaking Revenue Collection
Responding to the notice, Minister Aurangzeb announced that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) posted a historic performance in the last fiscal year, collecting Rs 11.7 trillion, up from Rs 9.3 trillion the year before. The increase of Rs 2.5 trillion reflects a robust 27 percent growth, which the minister described as “undeniably strong performance.”
He detailed category-wise growth:
Income tax: ↑ 28%
Sales tax: ↑ 26%
Federal excise duty: ↑ 33%
Customs duty: ↑ 16%
The minister emphasized that after several years, Pakistan has finally improved its tax-to-GDP ratio, rising from 8.5% in FY 2023–24 to 10.3% last year, with expectations of reaching close to 11% in the current fiscal year. He noted an additional Rs 200 billion in recent gains and highlighted enhanced compliance, with around 400,000 non-null tax returns filed.
Monitoring and enforcement have intensified, he said, pointing to the sugar sector, where Rs 7 billion more tax was collected in July 2025 compared to November 2024. Aurangzeb added that the government is now focusing on the tobacco and textile sectors, stressing, “Wherever tax is not collected, the government will take action.”
IMF Recommendations and Action Plan
During the discussion, Syed Hafeezuddin urged the government to address concerns raised in the IMF report. Minister Aurangzeb reassured the House, stating he had already clarified matters in the Senate.
“Our steps have been acknowledged in the IMF report,” he said, noting that the IMF has issued fifteen recommendations. An official government action plan addressing these proposals will be published before December 31, he added.
PTI Protest Disrupts Proceedings
The session was marked by visible political tension as PTI members and founders arrived with slogans, gathered before the Speaker’s dais, and chanted in protest. Despite the disruptions, the House continued its proceedings.
Key Legislative Bills Approved
In significant legislative activity, the National Assembly passed several important bills:
Lok Virsa Amendment Bill 2025, presented by Minister of State Talal Chaudhry
National Agriculture, Trade and Food Safety Authority Bill, presented by Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer
CDA Amendment Bill 2025, also moved by Talal Chaudhry
These bills aim to strengthen cultural preservation, enhance food safety governance, and improve administrative frameworks within the Capital Development Authority.
Despite political turbulence, the session underscored Pakistan’s improving fiscal indicators and ongoing commitment to structural reforms—signalling cautious optimism for the country’s economic direction.