Islamabad – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced it will hire 102 sector and audit experts to conduct large-scale audits across 42 key industries in Pakistan. The initiative aims to tighten tax oversight, identify irregularities and improve compliance in sectors considered vital to the national economy.

According to official sources, the experts will be recruited through human resource firms and selected by a dedicated FBR committee. The process may be conducted in person or virtually.

FBR

First Phase Targets Priority Sectors

In the initial phase, the FBR will focus on high-revenue and high-risk industries including:

  • Automobile sector
  • Textiles
  • Iron and steel
  • Independent power producers (IPPs) and distribution companies (DISCOs)
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Finance and insurance
  • Banking
  • Sugar
  • Chemicals and fertilizers
  • Real estate and construction
  • Petroleum and lubricants
  • Cement
  • Telecommunications
  • Tobacco

Officials say these sectors were prioritised due to their significant tax contribution and vulnerability to under-reporting.

Full List of 42 Industries

The complete audit list includes automotive, aviation, beverages, cement, ceramics, chemicals, coal, departmental stores, edible oil, education, electronics, fertilizers, flour mills, food imports, IT, manufacturing, paper and packaging, plastics, poultry, power, real estate, restaurants and marquees, rice mills, services, sugar, tea, telecom, textiles and tobacco among others.

The selection process will involve screening candidates from HR firm shortlists, with an emphasis on relevant sector experience and audit expertise.

FBR to hire

Part of Wider Tax Reforms

The recruitment drive comes alongside recent amendments to Pakistan’s income tax regulations for the fiscal year 2025–26.

Under the revised rules, non-filers withdrawing more than Rs50,000 per day from bank accounts will face an increased withholding tax of 0.8% up from 0.6%. The FBR says this step is intended to discourage undocumented cash transactions and encourage individuals to file tax returns.

Why It Matters

Pakistan’s tax base remains narrow with a significant portion of the economy operating in the undocumented sector. By bringing in external experts with sector-specific knowledge, the FBR aims to:

  • Strengthen audit quality and consistency
  • Detect tax evasion schemes in specialised industries
  • Ensure compliance with updated tax laws
  • Increase government revenue without raising general tax rates

Industry Impact

For businesses, the audits may result in increased scrutiny of accounts particularly in sectors flagged as high-risk. Industry groups have urged the FBR to ensure the process is transparent and fair, avoiding harassment of compliant taxpayers.

The move is also expected to send a strong message to sectors with historically low tax compliance.