Pakistan to Bring 3.5 Million Shopkeepers into Tax Net, Says Finance Minister of State
ISLAMABAD:** Minister of State for Finance and Revenue **Bilal Azhar Kayani** has announced that the government will include around **3.5 million shopkeepers** in the tax net during the current fiscal year.
Speaking during the National Assembly debate on the federal budget 2026–27, he said the initiative aims to broaden the tax base and strengthen the national economy.
He added that registered traders will be issued a **green plate by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)**, and under normal circumstances, their audits will be limited to reduce compliance burden.
The minister said the move is part of broader reforms designed to integrate the retail sector into the formal economy, improve revenue collection, and ensure sustainable economic growth.
