Published: 26 September 2026 | By Umair A R Mughal
Lahore’s business community had a long list of complaints, and on 23 September 2026 it got to put them directly to the head of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial met a delegation of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) led by LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol and Vice President Khurram Lodhi. The agenda covered most of the issues Punjab’s businesses have raised this year: stalled refunds, digital invoicing, customs, import invoicing and taxes that firms say are hurting their sectors.
The chairman’s central message was that tax rates can only come down if everybody pays. Here is what each side raised, what the FBR promised, and what it means for you as a taxpayer.
Key Points
- The FBR chairman urged that the income tax refund problems raised by the chamber be resolved.
- Digital invoicing is going ahead. Businesses raised problems, but the FBR made clear the system will be adopted.
- The chairman’s theme was to widen the tax net: register more people so rates can come down for those already paying.
- Customs issues will be handled on merit, case by case.
- The business community was invited to back the National Tariff Policy.
- Chamber membership may be linked to tax compliance through turnover and minimum tax requirements.
- LCCI also asked for an extension of the return filing date. No decision was reported.
What LCCI Raised
President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol briefed the chairman on difficulties across several areas. Based on reports of the meeting, these were the chamber’s main points:
1. Delayed income tax refunds
Refunds have long been a complaint among Lahore firms. Money stuck with the FBR is working capital businesses cannot use. Small manufacturers and exporters are hit hardest.
2. Problems with e-invoicing
Businesses cited practical challenges with the FBR’s digital invoicing system. Importers also complained about how import invoices are handled.
3. Duties on electronics
The chamber called for the removal of duties on electronic gadgets.
4. White paper duty and the printing industry
LCCI said duty is charged on imported white paper while printed books are imported duty free. Printing a book locally therefore costs more than importing the finished product, which leaves local printers at a disadvantage.
5. Tariff abuse
Members voiced concern about tariff abuse, where goods are cleared under incorrect tariff categories to pay less duty. Honest importers lose out to those who do this.
6. Advance income tax on imports
The chamber raised the advance income tax collected at the import stage. For many importers it ties up cash before the goods are even sold.
7. More time to file returns
The chamber’s own elections fall in September, the same month as the income tax return deadline, so LCCI asked for an extension of the filing date.
What the FBR Chairman Said
| Topic | Chairman’s position |
|---|---|
| Tax net | All businesses and individuals should come under the tax net. That is the only way to bring rates down for good, because the burden now falls on a small base of compliant taxpayers. The FBR will step up registration. |
| Cooperation | The government cannot move forward without the business community, and the FBR is taking steps to address its genuine difficulties. |
| Refunds | He asked that the income tax refund problems of Lahore’s businesses be resolved. |
| Customs | Customs cases will be decided on merit. |
| Digital invoicing | The FBR will proceed. The obstacles raised can be addressed, but the policy stays. |
| Tariffs | He urged the business community to support the National Tariff Policy. |
| Chamber membership | He proposed turnover and minimum tax thresholds for membership, so that a member’s standing is in proportion to the tax they pay. |
| Supply chains | Buyers of goods should declare where they bought them from. This would let the FBR trace supply chains and spot undeclared transactions. |
At the end of the meeting, LCCI presented a commemorative shield to the FBR chairman.
Our Opinion: How This Affects Your Business
A meeting like this is partly diplomacy, but it also shows where the FBR is heading. Here is what we think taxpayers should take from it.
Digital invoicing is here to stay
Businesses objected, and the chairman’s answer was to proceed. If you are registered for sales tax and have not yet connected to the FBR’s digital invoicing system, arrange it now. Late adopters risk rushed integrations, mismatched invoices and disallowed input tax for their buyers.
See our FBR digital invoicing software and FBR integrated POS software.
Expect more scrutiny of your purchases
Buyers are under pressure to declare their sources. That suggests the FBR wants to match every sale against every purchase. If you buy from unregistered suppliers or your records do not add up, expect extra questions. Keep invoices in order, pay through banking channels and reconcile your sales tax annexures every month.
Refunds still need proper paperwork
The chairman’s direction should help clear pending refund claims in Lahore. In our experience, though, refunds stall mainly because of documentation problems: missing withholding certificates, returns that do not match, or unanswered notices. A directive does not repair a weak claim. Now is a good time to check that yours is complete. See our income tax refund and sales tax refund services.
Do not count on a deadline extension
LCCI asked for more time, but the FBR has announced nothing. The due date for the Tax Year 2026 income tax return remains 30 September 2026, and late filers face an ATL surcharge of Rs 25,000 (for individuals) on top of the late filing penalty. File on time.
Read: FBR Tax Return Last Date 2026: Deadline, Extension & Penalty.
Chamber membership could soon mean tax compliance
If membership carries minimum tax and turnover thresholds, businesses that stay active in chambers while paying very little tax could be targeted. It is another sign the FBR wants to bring corporate entities into the tax net.
Part of a series of FBR meetings with business
The LCCI meeting is one of several this month. Earlier in September 2026, the FBR chairman met the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on widening the tax base, and the Karachi Tax Bar Association on tax refunds. The theme has been the same each time: the FBR wants industry’s support for a wider tax base and digital systems, and offers to address genuine grievances in return.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the LCCI meet the FBR chairman?
An LCCI delegation met FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial in Lahore on 23 September 2026.
Who led the LCCI delegation?
The delegation was led by LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol and Vice President Khurram Lodhi.
What were the main issues discussed?
Income tax refunds, digital invoicing, customs and import invoicing, duties on electronics and imported white paper, tariff abuse, advance income tax on imports, and a request for more time to file returns.
Has the FBR extended the income tax return deadline?
No extension was announced after the meeting. The due date for Tax Year 2026 returns remains 30 September 2026.
What did the FBR chairman say about income tax refunds?
He asked that the refund problems raised by Lahore’s business community be resolved.
Is digital invoicing mandatory under the FBR?
The chamber raised problems with the digital invoicing system, and the chairman said it will go ahead. Sales tax registered businesses should prepare to comply. If you are unsure whether or when it applies to your business, contact us.
Need Help With Refunds, Digital Invoicing or Your Tax Return?
If you have a refund stuck with the FBR, need to connect to digital invoicing, or must file your return by 30 September, the team at TaxAccountant.pk can help. WhatsApp us on +92 339 505 0983.
