More tax returns, but is collection enough?

Summary

• October 16, 2026Pakistan has recorded an increase in income tax returns, with the number of people filing returns crossing 6.815 million.
• The government must provide clear figures on tax collection to show whether this increase is making a real difference to national revenue.
• Salaried people already face tax deductions from their income, making it difficult for them to avoid their responsibilities.

AI Generated Summary

October 16, 2026

Pakistan has recorded an increase in income tax returns, with the number of people filing returns crossing 6.815 million. This is a positive sign for a country that has long struggled to bring more people into the tax system. However, the increase in filings should not be treated as proof that the government has solved its tax problems.

Official figures show that more than 4.5 million people outside the salaried class have filed their returns, while over 2.2 million salaried individuals have also completed the process. During the same period last year, more than 5.2 million people had filed returns. The increase suggests that more people are coming forward to meet their tax responsibilities.