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Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PRA achieves record-breaking tax collection
LAHORE: The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has achieved a significant milestone by collecting a record Rs. 26.12 billion in tax revenues during May 2025, reflecting a 23% increase compared to the same month last year. From July 2024 to May 2025, the Authority has collected a total of Rs. 240 billion, marking a 16% growth over the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Out of this, Rs. 225 billion was collected under Punjab sales tax, also showing a 16% year-on-year increase. Furthermore, Rs. 5.6 billion was generated through the Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess, showing an 18% rise, while the Punjab Workers Welfare Fund witnessed a substantial 30% growth, with Rs. 9.3 billion collected during the same period. It is important to note that this performance has been achieved without imposing any new tax or increasing existing tax rates. The PRA credits this success to a robust enforcement strategy and the effective deployment of modern technology. With continued efforts, the Authority is confident of surpassing its annual tax collection target for the fiscal year. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Beverage firm dual-registered over tax withholding dispute
LAHORE: A beverage company already registered with the Punjab Revenue Authority gets registered by another province's revenue authority for having its branch office there. The assistant commissioner of that province compulsorily registered it on the ground that it has received taxable services in the territorial jurisdiction of that province and also withheld tax but failed to get register with relevant revenue authority to pay the tax deducted. It further wrote in the order that the company having virtual place of business in the province, therefore, it was required to get registered with relevant revenue authority and pay the sales tax withheld as withholding agent. The notice pointed out that the sales tax law defines the term place of business and covers the economic activity being carried out by the company whether wholly or partially through any other person such as agent, associate, franchisee, branch, office or otherwise in the province or through virtual presence or a website or a website portal or through any other form of e-Commerce but does not include a liaison office. Therefore, such a company is required to get registered under the relevant provisions of the sales tax Act of that province. The beverage company, engaged in manufacturing and import of concentrate/ syrup, had responded to the notice by stating that was not required to get register there because of its prior registration with Punjab Revenue Authority. Both the head office and manufacturing facility of the company are situated in the province of Punjab. Therefore, it is registered with Large Taxpayer Office, Lahore, as well as the Punjab Revenue Authority. Since the company is not resident of that province as definition of 'resident person' in the sales tax law, there the company was not required to get registered with the relevant revenue authority. The company deducts sales tax on services as withholding agent from the service providers throughout the country and pay to the Punjab Revenue Authority. He further pointed out that the company was receiving services from advertisers, who display its advertisements on billboards in the province. The company makes payments to such service providers and withholds sales tax on services but pays it to the revenue authority in Punjab. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab govt achieves record-breaking tax collection
LAHORE: The Punjab government has demonstrated outstanding performance by collecting a record Rs23.7 billion during April, marking a 26% increase compared to April last year. From July to April of the current fiscal year, according to data released by Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA), a total of Rs214 billion has been collected in tax revenues - 16% higher than the corresponding period last year. Within this period, Rs199.6 billion has been collected specifically under Punjab Sales Tax, reflecting a 14% Year-on-Year growth. Additionally, the PRA has collected Rs5.1 billion in revenue from the Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess (PIDC), registering a 23% growth, while Rs9.1 billion has been collected under the Punjab Workers Welfare Fund - showing an impressive 43% increase. Remarkably, these gains have been achieved without introducing any new taxes or increasing tax rate slab. According to the PRA spokesperson, this strong performance is the result of strategic outreach through workshops, expansion of the tax net, and the effective use of modern IT systems. With these robust measures in place, the PRA remains confident that it will meet or surpass the annual revenue target for the current fiscal year. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
05-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Punjab posts record tax collection
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has demonstrated outstanding performance by collecting a record Rs23.7 billion during the month of April, marking a 26% increase compared to April last year. From July to April of the current fiscal year, PRA has collected a total of Rs214 billion in tax revenues16% higher than the corresponding period last year. Within this period, Rs199.6 billion has been collected specifically under Punjab Sales Tax, reflecting a 14% year-on-year growth. Additionally, PRA has collected Rs5.1 billion in revenue from the Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess (PIDC), registering a 23% growth, while Rs9.1 billion has been collected under the Punjab Workers Welfare Fundshowing an impressive 43% increase. Remarkably, these gains have been achieved without introducing any new taxes or increasing tax rates. According to the PRA spokesperson, this strong performance is the result of strategic outreach through workshops, expansion of the tax net, and the effective use of modern IT systems.
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister highlights reforms, inclusivity in pre-budget workshop
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said on Wednesday that the Punjab government is committed to prioritizing province's development needs to through a balanced approach revenue generation and public expenditure. He was addressing a pre-budget consultative workshop for the fiscal year 2025–26 at a local hotel. The workshop was organized by the finance department Punjab in collaboration with the FCDO-funded Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme. The workshop aimed to foster an inclusive, transparent, and participatory budget-making process. A wide array of stakeholders including government officials, development partners, civil society, and academia participated in the event. The finance minister emphasized key reforms that have contributed to improving fiscal governance. He highlighted that digital transformation within the Punjab Revenue Authority and the shift from annual rental value to capital value for urban property assessments have significantly enhanced revenue generation while reducing financial irregularities. Similarly, pension reforms have helped manage future financial liabilities more efficiently, while rationalizing agricultural subsidies has eliminated billions in circular debt — a significant achievement for the provincial government. He further stated that public engagement in budget formulation is an established practice in Punjab. The government has consistently incorporated feedback from past consultations into budget decisions. 'No segment of society has ever been, nor will ever be, deprived of its fundamental needs under our governance,' he assured. 'The Budget 2025–26 will truly reflect the aspirations and priorities of our people.' The minister added, 'This workshop is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that the budget-making process is transparent, inclusive, and reflective of the voices of all citizens — especially those traditionally left unheard. The active involvement of civil society, academia, and development partners guarantees that public priorities remain central to our fiscal planning.' Key thematic areas discussed during the workshop included education, health, social protection, agriculture, industry, justice, and local governance. Sector-specific breakout sessions focused on identifying budget priorities, with special attention to the needs of women, girls, persons with disabilities, non-Muslim minorities, and the transgender community. Speaking at the event, Matt Clancy, Senior Governance Advisor at the FCDO, British High Commission Pakistan, stated, 'Public participation in the budgeting process is critical to building trust in government. We are proud to support the Government of Punjab through the SNG Programme to make public finance more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the real needs of citizens.' Distinguished attendees included Khawar Mumtaz, former Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women; Umer Abbas Mela, Additional Finance Secretary (Budget); senior officials from key departments and representatives from the World Bank, UNDP, FCDO, UNICEF, GIZ, LUMS, and Punjab University. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
