ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced plans to hire 102 sector specialists and audit experts across 42 key industries as part of its strategy to enhance field audits, strengthen oversight, and improve tax compliance in Pakistan’s major economic sectors.
Targeted Industries
The recruitment drive will cover a wide range of industries, including automotive, aviation, banking, beverages, cement, ceramics, chemicals, coal, departmental stores, edible oil, education, electronics, fertilizers, flour mills, food imports, IT, manufacturing, paper and packaging, plastics, poultry, power, real estate, restaurants and marquees, rice mills, services, sugar, tea, telecom, textiles, and tobacco.
Phase-One Priority Sectors
In the initial phase, audits will focus on priority sectors such as:
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Automobiles
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Textiles
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Iron and steel
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Independent power producers (IPPs) and distribution companies (DISCOs)
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Pharmaceuticals
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Finance and insurance
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Banking
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Sugar
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Chemicals and fertilizers
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Real estate and construction
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Petroleum and lubricants
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Cement
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Telecommunications
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Tobacco
Selection Process
The FBR will engage human resource firms to provide qualified audit mentors and sector experts. A dedicated Selection Committee will evaluate candidates from a shortlisted pool, with interviews conducted either in person or virtually.
Objectives and Impact
This initiative is aimed at tightening audit controls, curbing tax evasion, and ensuring greater compliance across Pakistan’s most significant industries. By leveraging specialized expertise, the FBR seeks to improve transparency and efficiency in its audit processes.
Additional Regulatory Changes
Separately, the FBR has amended income tax regulations for the fiscal year 2025–26 to broaden the tax base and discourage non-compliance. Under the updated rules, non-filers withdrawing more than Rs50,000 per day from bank accounts will be subject to a 0.8% withholding tax, up from the previous 0.6%. The move is intended to discourage undocumented cash transactions and encourage individuals to file tax returns.