Govt Celebrates As 10,000 of 3.5 Million Traders Join Tax Net

Almost 10, 000 shopkeepers registered under the Asan Tax Scheme (ATS) during its first month, with 9, 806 traders joining the tax system, according to data reviewed by the administration.

Key points

• While 428 had already filed their tax returns, of the 9, 806 shopkeepers registered under the scheme, 1, 929 were entering the tax system for the first time.
• The administration has set a target of bringing around 3.5 million shopkeepers into the tax net during fiscal year 2026-27.
• The registration figures were presented at a session chaired by State Minister for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani on Friday.
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In practice, the registration figures were presented at a session chaired by State Minister for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani on Friday. Representatives of the traders, including Ajmal Baloch and Kashif Chaudhry, additionally attended the gathering.

While 428 had already filed their tax returns, of the 9, 806 shopkeepers registered under the scheme, 1, 929 were entering the tax system for the first time. Authorities stated returns had been filed by shopkeepers in both small and major cities. FBR Ends Direct Contact With Taxpayers.

Meanwhile, the session reviewed progress on the implementation of the ATS. It was introduced specifically for shopkeepers. Authorities stated registered traders were at different stages of completing their tax returns.

Kayani directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to address technical problems raised by shopkeepers and lawyers over the implementation of the scheme.

He additionally instructed authorities to problem FBR plates to shopkeepers who had filed their tax returns at the earliest.

For context, the state minister remarked the ATS was a facility designed specifically for shopkeepers and was not available to other business segments. He additionally encouraged more traders to register under the scheme, saying there was no reason for shopkeepers to remain non-filers after its launch.

Meanwhile, the administration has set a target of bringing around 3.5 million shopkeepers into the tax net during fiscal year 2026-27. Finance Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani confirmed the target in June when the administration introduced the simplified tax scheme for small traders. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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Taken together, the developments around govt Celebrates As 10, 000 of 3.5 Million Traders Join Tax Net point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.