ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Advisor to the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mr. Khurram Schehzad, recently addressed the four-day National Tax Seminar jointly organized by the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) and the Lahore Tax Bar Association (LTBA). During the event, he outlined Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic outlook, the government’s ongoing structural reform agenda, the fiscal priorities for the upcoming FY2026-27 budget, and the official rollout of the country’s New Tax Operating Model (NTOM).

The high-profile seminar saw attendance from key industry leaders, including President of the Pakistan Tax Bar Association, Mr. Ehsan-ul-Haq Sheikh; President of the Lahore Tax Bar Association, Mr. Rana Saqib Munir; and Patron of the Pakistan Tax Bar Association and Chairman of the Pakistan Tax Bar Academy, Mr. Abdul Qadir Memon. Mr. Zahoor Ahmed, Member of the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue, served as the Guest of Honour, while renowned economist Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque delivered the keynote address to a gathering of senior tax professionals, legal practitioners, and chartered accountants.

Economic Stabilization and Reform Progress

Addressing the assembly, Mr. Schehzad stated that Pakistan has made significant strides in restoring macroeconomic stability through disciplined fiscal management. He emphasized that the country has moved from a period of stabilization toward sustainable, private sector-led growth, bolstered by rebuilt external buffers and strengthened debt management. As Rana Tanveer Emphasizes Export Growth to Bolster Pakistan’s National Economy, such measures are vital for national progress. Mr. Schehzad noted that these efforts are increasingly reflected in improved sovereign credit ratings and successful reviews of international financial programs.

Priorities for the FY2026-27 Budget

The Advisor described the upcoming FY2026-27 budget as a balanced, pro-growth framework designed to stimulate industrial development and exports. He highlighted that the budget aims to provide relief to the salaried class while broadening the national tax base. Furthermore, the government intends to implement significant reforms in Ahsan Iqbal Highlights Pakistan’s Rapid Shift Toward Electric Vehicle Revolution to ensure long-term sustainability and modernized infrastructure. The fiscal strategy prioritizes reducing the burden on currently compliant taxpayers through systematic documentation of the economy.

The New Tax Operating Model (NTOM)

A central theme of the seminar was the introduction of the New Tax Operating Model (NTOM). This initiative marks a definitive shift from traditional, officer-driven processes to a data-led, technology-enabled, and faceless administration. Mr. Schehzad explained that the model is designed to separate audit and assessment functions into specialized units, leveraging centralized data analytics to minimize human discretion and physical interaction. By increasing transparency and accountability, the government seeks to foster a more business-friendly environment while intensifying efforts against tax evasion through intelligent, data-driven enforcement.

Stakeholder Engagement and Technical Sessions

The event also featured comprehensive technical sessions focusing on provincial sales tax, direct and indirect taxation, and the digitalization of fiscal procedures. Mr. Muhammad Rehan Siddiqui (FCA) delivered a detailed presentation on the implications of faceless jurisdiction. In his closing remarks, Mr. Schehzad expressed gratitude to the tax bar associations for their constructive role, noting that continuous dialogue is essential for the successful implementation of the government’s broader economic reform initiatives. Leaders from the PTBA and LTBA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a transparent and technology-driven tax landscape in Pakistan.