Poor tax design, not evasion, keeps ratio low

Behavioural fixes like pre-filled returns and ring-fenced funds could boost compliance Research conducted by Australia’s tax authorities revealed that the first communication a new taxpayer receives affects their long-run compliance behaviour. photo: file ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio has remained around 9% to 10% for several decades now – a figure that is alarmingly low for…

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Naqvi-PTI meeting sparks controversy

ISLAMABAD: A quietly held meeting between senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has triggered a debate of possible back channel contacts between the opposition party and powers that be and also raised questions over internal communication and coordination within the party after it emerged that party founding chairman Imran Khan’s family…

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The cost of being formal in Pakistan

Formal sector and salaried class pay high taxes because they are visible, while undocumented and big fish remain comfo View of business offices and under construction residential apartments in Karachi, Pakistan September 23, 2025 Photo: Reuters ISLAMABAD: I run the kind of business Pakistan says it wants and needs. I produce goods, employ people, file…

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Pakistan expands health ties in Geneva moot

. ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Mustafa Kamal held meetings with the health ministers of Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Syria on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, where the parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in the health sector. According to the Ministry of National Health Services on Sunday,…

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SC hears stale criminal appeals after years

Police officers walk past the Supreme Court of Pakistan building, in Islamabad, Pakistan April 6, 2022. REUTERS ISLAMABAD: For the first time in nearly six years, the Supreme Court has begun fixing for hearing criminal appeals involving convicts who have either already completed their sentences or passed away during the pendency of proceedings. According to…

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Railways launches digital transformation drive

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways is moving ahead with a major technology-driven transformation under an ambitious digitisation programme featuring a 1,700-kilometre fibre optic network and smart railway systems aimed at modernising operations, freight management and passenger services across the country. According to official project documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative forms part of Pakistan Railways’ Railway…

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