KARACHI – Pakistani government is making all-out efforts to rake in taxes and with Digital Economy in focus, and now authorities are planning to slap a 15-18percent Sales Tax on Online Platforms.
Sources familiar with development said Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is set to introduce new 18pc sales tax on major online platforms, including Olx, Daraz, Zameen, and PakWheels, as part of the upcoming for the upcoming fiscal year, with aim to broaden tax base and meet key conditions set by International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The proposal is part of the government’s broader strategy to advance tax revenues and comply with IMF’s demand for structural reforms. The new tax is expected to help FBR move closer to its ambitious tax collection target of Rs.14.3 trillion.
Budget 2025-26
This development marks key shift in taxation policy for digital economy, as government intensifies efforts to bring more sectors under the tax net. With these changes, e-commerce giants, which have seen rapid growth in recent years, are now being tapped as a potential source of increased revenue.
The sales tax, if approved, will apply to both buyers and sellers operating through these platforms, potentially impacting online retail pricing and consumer behavior.
The proposal is currently under review and is expected to be formally presented in the Finance Bill 2025-26, which will be unveiled later this month.
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