Latest news with #Rs9.35
Business Recorder
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Numbers speak: Sindh agriculturalists spend more on vehicle registration, pay less in income tax
In a revealing fiscal projection, the Sindh government has said it will collect Rs9.35 billion in motor vehicle registration fees in the outgoing fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. That is more than double the Rs4 billion to be collected from income tax on the province's vast agriculture sector, according to budget documents. The figures highlight a long-standing wealth imbalance, suggesting people who are classified in middle and upper agriculture income brackets and rural elite earn and spend significantly on their lifestyle, but their tax contributions remain surprisingly low. The situation has resulted in a climbing tax burden on tax compliant industrial and services sectors as well as individuals earning salaries from non-agriculture sectors. The provincial government is set to collect comparatively higher revenue from motor vehicle registration fees despite the fact that the tax is charged at lower rates — ranging from 1% to 5% of the value of vehicles, depending on engine size. In contrast, agriculture income is taxed at significantly higher rates, from 15% to 45%, effective January 1, 2025. Additionally, a super tax of 1% to 10% applies to high agricultural incomes, while corporate farming is taxed at rates between 20% and 29%. Agriculturists remain minimal contributors to provincial tax revenues During the first half of FY25 (July–December), the applicable agriculture income tax ranged from 5% to 15%. Yet, agriculturists continue to contribute disproportionately little to provincial tax revenues. Agriculture remains a big source of income for almost half of the total provincial population (55.7 million) living in rural areas including poor farmers, landlords and individuals as well as businesses engaged in large-scale agricultural production including livestock. Muhammad Abrar Polani, an auto analyst at Arif Habib Limited, estimated that some 40% of the total vehicles sold nationwide are purchased by the people living in rural areas across the country. People living in rural Sindh buy around 40% of the total sold in the province. Other analysts said car purchasing is at peak in rural areas at the time of harvesting winter and summer crops, as well as around Eid-ul-Adha when farmers sell livestock mainly in urban centers. Hamdan Ahmed, an auto analyst at Optimus Capital Management, said in a commentary this week that agriculture season and development (PSDP/public sector development programme) spending fueled volumes growth in sale of passenger cars, SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) and LCVs (Light Commercial Vehicles) in May 2025. Auto sales (excluding tractors, buses and 2/3 wheelers) improved 38% year-on-year to 15,396 units in May, 'supported by the easing of highway closures from last month's canal protests, PSDP spending in the last months of FY25, (and) 'wheat harvest' despite pre-budgetary expectations.' Numbers reveal deeper reality As cars continue to fill garages in rural Sindh while collection of revenue in income tax on agriculture remain significantly low, the province's fiscal data tells a deeper story — of wealth that's visible on roads, but not reflected in the tax rolls. Latest estimates suggest the share of agriculture in Pakistan's gross domestic product stands at around 23.54% in FY25, while its share in revenue in taxes remained around 1%. Since agriculture income tax remains a provincial subject, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the provinces have done legislation for income tax on agriculture, expecting a significant increase in collections in the next fiscal year starting July 1, 2025. In contrast to Aurangzeb's projection, the Sindh government has targeted to collect Rs8 billion income tax on agriculture at in the next fiscal year (FY26) starting July 1, 2025. This is still low compared to the motor vehicle registration fees to be collected at Rs9.35 billion in both outgoing FY25 and upcoming FY26. All four provincial governments have legislated agriculture income tax recently in compliance with the federal government commitment with International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase tax collection to Rs14.307 trillion (10.7% of GDP). The Sindh government, however, criticized the federal government for the commitment, saying it should have taken provinces into confidence before making such promises. The agriculture income tax is projected to make agriculture produces expensive, as people belonging to the sector may pass on the tax impact to end-consumers, it was learnt. A major portion of the motor vehicle registration fee was earned from passenger cars, SUVs and LCVs segment, according to Sindh's Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department, which collects the fee in the range of 1% to 5% of the value of the vehicle. The department books small collections from the registration of tractors at Rs2,000/unit and motorcycles in range of 0.5% to 2% of the value of the two-wheelers.
Business Recorder
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Numbers speak: Sindh agriculturalists spend more on vehicles, pay less in income tax
In a revealing fiscal projection, the Sindh government has said it will collect Rs9.35 billion in motor vehicle registration fees in the outgoing fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. That is more than double the Rs4 billion to be collected from income tax on the province's vast agriculture sector, according to budget documents. The figures highlight a long-standing wealth imbalance, suggesting people who are classified in middle and upper agriculture income brackets and rural elite earn and spend significantly on their lifestyle, but their tax contributions remain surprisingly low. The situation has resulted in a climbing tax burden on tax compliant industrial and services sectors as well as individuals earning salaries from non-agriculture sectors. The provincial government is set to collect comparatively higher revenue from motor vehicle registration fees despite the fact that the tax is charged at lower rates — ranging from 1% to 5% of the value of vehicles, depending on engine size. In contrast, agriculture income is taxed at significantly higher rates, from 15% to 45%, effective January 1, 2025. Additionally, a super tax of 1% to 10% applies to high agricultural incomes, while corporate farming is taxed at rates between 20% and 29%. Agriculturists remain minimal contributors to provincial tax revenues During the first half of FY25 (July–December), the applicable agriculture income tax ranged from 5% to 15%. Yet, agriculturists continue to contribute disproportionately little to provincial tax revenues. Agriculture remains a big source of income for almost half of the total provincial population (55.7 million) living in rural areas including poor farmers, landlords and individuals as well as businesses engaged in large-scale agricultural production including livestock. Muhammad Abrar Polani, an auto analyst at Arif Habib Limited, estimated that some 40% of the total vehicles sold nationwide are purchased by the people living in rural areas across the country. People living in rural Sindh buy around 40% of the total sold in the province. Other analysts said car purchasing is at peak in rural areas at the time of harvesting winter and summer crops, as well as around Eid-ul-Adha when farmers sell livestock mainly in urban centers. Hamdan Ahmed, an auto analyst at Optimus Capital Management, said in a commentary this week that agriculture season and development (PSDP/public sector development programme) spending fueled volumes growth in sale of passenger cars, SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) and LCVs (Light Commercial Vehicles) in May 2025. Auto sales (excluding tractors, buses and 2/3 wheelers) improved 38% year-on-year to 15,396 units in May, 'supported by the easing of highway closures from last month's canal protests, PSDP spending in the last months of FY25, (and) 'wheat harvest' despite pre-budgetary expectations.' Numbers reveal deeper reality As cars continue to fill garages in rural Sindh while collection of revenue in income tax on agriculture remain significantly low, the province's fiscal data tells a deeper story — of wealth that's visible on roads, but not reflected in the tax rolls. Latest estimates suggest the share of agriculture in Pakistan's gross domestic product stands at around 23.54% in FY25, while its share in revenue in taxes remained around 1%. Since agriculture income tax remains a provincial subject, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the provinces have done legislation for income tax on agriculture, expecting a significant increase in collections in the next fiscal year starting July 1, 2025. In contrast to Aurangzeb's projection, the Sindh government has targeted to collect Rs8 billion income tax on agriculture at in the next fiscal year (FY26) starting July 1, 2025. This is still low compared to the motor vehicle registration fees to be collected at Rs9.35 billion in both outgoing FY25 and upcoming FY26. All four provincial governments have legislated agriculture income tax recently in compliance with the federal government commitment with International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase tax collection to Rs14.307 trillion (10.7% of GDP). The Sindh government, however, criticized the federal government for the commitment, saying it should have taken provinces into confidence before making such promises. The agriculture income tax is projected to make agriculture produces expensive, as people belonging to the sector may pass on the tax impact to end-consumers, it was learnt. A major portion of the motor vehicle registration fee was earned from passenger cars, SUVs and LCVs segment, according to Sindh's Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department, which collects the fee in the range of 1% to 5% of the value of the vehicle. The department books small collections from the registration of tractors at Rs2,000/unit and motorcycles in range of 0.5% to 2% of the value of the two-wheelers.
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Tax imbalance: Sindh to earn over twice as much from vehicle registration as agriculture
In a revealing fiscal projection, the Sindh government has said it will collect Rs9.35 billion in motor vehicle registration fees in the outgoing fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. That is more than double the Rs4 billion to be collected from income tax on the province's vast agriculture sector, according to budget documents. The figures highlight a long-standing wealth imbalance, suggesting people who are classified in middle and upper agriculture income brackets and rural elite earn and spend significantly on their lifestyle, but their tax contributions remain surprisingly low. The situation has resulted in a climbing tax burden on tax compliant industrial and services sectors as well as individuals earning salaries from non-agriculture sectors. The provincial government is set to collect comparatively higher revenue from motor vehicle registration fees despite the fact that the tax is charged at lower rates — ranging from 1% to 5% of the value of vehicles, depending on engine size. In contrast, agriculture income is taxed at significantly higher rates, from 15% to 45%, effective January 1, 2025. Additionally, a super tax of 1% to 10% applies to high agricultural incomes, while corporate farming is taxed at rates between 20% and 29%. Agriculturists remain minimal contributors to provincial tax revenues During the first half of FY25 (July–December), the applicable agriculture income tax ranged from 5% to 15%. Yet, agriculturists continue to contribute disproportionately little to provincial tax revenues. Agriculture remains a big source of income for almost half of the total provincial population (55.7 million) living in rural areas including poor farmers, landlords and individuals as well as businesses engaged in large-scale agricultural production including livestock. Muhammad Abrar Polani, an auto analyst at Arif Habib Limited, estimated that some 40% of the total vehicles sold nationwide are purchased by the people living in rural areas across the country. People living in rural Sindh buy around 40% of the total sold in the province. Other analysts said car purchasing is at peak in rural areas at the time of harvesting winter and summer crops, as well as around Eid-ul-Adha when farmers sell livestock mainly in urban centers. Hamdan Ahmed, an auto analyst at Optimus Capital Management, said in a commentary this week that agriculture season and development (PSDP/public sector development programme) spending fueled volumes growth in sale of passenger cars, SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) and LCVs (Light Commercial Vehicles) in May 2025. Auto sales (excluding tractors, buses and 2/3 wheelers) improved 38% year-on-year to 15,396 units in May, 'supported by the easing of highway closures from last month's canal protests, PSDP spending in the last months of FY25, (and) 'wheat harvest' despite pre-budgetary expectations.' Numbers reveal deeper reality As cars continue to fill garages in rural Sindh while collection of revenue in income tax on agriculture remain significantly low, the province's fiscal data tells a deeper story — of wealth that's visible on roads, but not reflected in the tax rolls. Latest estimates suggest the share of agriculture in Pakistan's gross domestic product stands at around 23.54% in FY25, while its share in revenue in taxes remained around 1%. Since agriculture income tax remains a provincial subject, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the provinces have done legislation for income tax on agriculture, expecting a significant increase in collections in the next fiscal year starting July 1, 2025. In contrast to Aurangzeb's projection, the Sindh government has targeted to collect Rs8 billion income tax on agriculture at in the next fiscal year (FY26) starting July 1, 2025. This is still low compared to the motor vehicle registration fees to be collected at Rs9.35 billion in both outgoing FY25 and upcoming FY26. All four provincial governments have legislated agriculture income tax recently in compliance with the federal government commitment with International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase tax collection to Rs14.307 trillion (10.7% of GDP). The Sindh government, however, criticized the federal government for the commitment, saying it should have taken provinces into confidence before making such promises. The agriculture income tax is projected to make agriculture produces expensive, as people belonging to the sector may pass on the tax impact to end-consumers, it was learnt. A major portion of the motor vehicle registration fee was earned from passenger cars, SUVs and LCVs segment, according to Sindh's Excuse, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department, which collects the fee in the range of 1% to 5% of the value of the vehicle. The department books small collections from the registration of tractors at Rs2,000/unit and motorcycles in range of 0.5% to 2% of the value of the two-wheelers.
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
NA informed: PIA records Rs9.35bn operational profit
ISLAMABAD: After years of financial freefall, the National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) recorded an operational profit of Rs9.35 billion and a net profit of Rs26.20 billion – after deferred tax adjustments – for the 2024 financial year, marking a significant turnaround from persistent past losses. In a written reply to questions asked by lawmakers, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif detailed the financial contours of PIA's performance. The airline, he said, spent Rs198.8 billion over the year, with fuel (Rs75.58 billion), aircraft maintenance (Rs17.48 billion), and landing and handling charges (Rs29.42 billion) comprising the lion's share. Pakistan International Airlines returns to profit after 21 years Salaries and wages absorbed Rs17.24 billion, lease rentals Rs7.9 billion, depreciation Rs12.1 billion, and aircraft insurance Rs5.4 billion. The balance went to various passenger service and selling expenses, among other costs. Despite these outlays, the airline's bottom line improved, even as its total liabilities – both domestic and international – remained a hefty Rs187.28 billion. Auditing of the year-end financial statements was jointly undertaken by Grant Thornton and BDO Chartered Accountants. Zeb Jaffar, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence said that PIA had been operating in the black since March 2024. She laid blame for the airline's prior reputational woes on Ghulam Sarwar Khan's – a former minister for aviation – 'irresponsible' remarks, which, she claimed, had inflicted damage both reputational and financial. She said those challenges appear to be easing, as PIA has resumed flights to Europe – including Paris – after successful talks with the EU Aviation Safety Agency, while negotiations with British and Turkish aviation authorities remain underway. Expansion remains a government priority, she said, noting the airline is eyeing new routes across the Middle East and North Africa in pursuit of sustainable profitability. 'Efforts to revitalise the national flag carrier are underway, and their results will become more visible in the coming months,' said Jaffar. Back on the ground, another institution struggling with management is the Parliament Lodges – official residences for Members of the National Assembly and Senate. During the session, a chorus of lawmakers decried what they described as squalid conditions, mismanagement, and a chronic lack of accountability in the lodges' upkeep. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik clarified that the Capital Development Authority (CDA), frequently blamed for the decline, merely implements budgets and allocations decided by the Parliament's House and Library Committee. Nonetheless, Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah conceded that the CDA's performance had been 'far from exemplary,' pointing to prior suspensions of senior officials for mismanagement. A staggering 51 MNAs, he noted, currently have no official accommodation. To address this, the government plans to outsource lodge facilities management on a probationary basis before considering a longer-term contract. Tendering will proceed following Planning Division approval. Veteran Pakistan People's Party (PPP) lawmaker Naveed Qamar endorsed the outsourcing move, suggesting that private management could improve service quality without increasing costs. MNA Noor Alam Khan of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) was less restrained, criticising the wasteful deployment of roughly 200 CDA staff and the misuse of amenities such as the gym, which he claimed is often accessed by non-members. He also pointed to rent-paying legislators being treated shabbily compared to perk-enjoying employees. Other parliamentarians called for a fairer allotment process. MNA Syed Waseem proposed reallocating rooms from ministers now residing in the Ministers' Colony to currently displaced MNAs. Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry echoed concerns, noting that the long-delayed construction of additional housing – pending since 2008 – was essential to resolving the space crunch. The deputy speaker wrapped up proceedings with a modest concession to order: janitorial services at the lodges are to be outsourced, in hopes of lifting at least one burden from the shoulders of Parliament's increasingly disgruntled residents. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
