Karachi – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), in collaboration with the Medium Taxpayers Office
(MTO), organized an awareness session at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) to
educate members about the PRAL (Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited) software. The session was
presided over by Chief Commissioner MTO, Aftab Imam, who emphasized FBR’s commitment to making
Pakistan’s tax system automated, transparent, and user-friendly through modern technology.
The event was attended by KATI President Junaid Naqi, Acting Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senior
Vice President Ejaz Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Tariq Hussain, Standing Committee Chairman Tariq
Malik, former Presidents and Chairman S.M. Yahya, Ehteshamuddin, Rashid Siddiqui, Abid Naeem from
FBR, along with a large number of KATI members.
Aftab Imam said that PRAL software is streamlining invoicing, e-filing, and digital payment of sales and
income taxes, thus simplifying compliance for businesses and encouraging more taxpayers to enter the
formal system. “Our goal is to facilitate existing taxpayers while bringing new ones into the fold,” he
noted.
KATI President Junaid Naqi presents a bouquet to Chief Commissioner MTO Aftab Imam.
Also seen are Tariq Malik, Ejaz Ahmed Sheikh, Syed Tariq Hussain and Abid Naeem.
KATI President Junaid Naqi welcomed FBR’s initiative and reiterated the association’s support. He
stressed the need to build mutual trust between the business community and tax authorities,
highlighting the issues of arbitrary notices and corruption in audit processes. He also pointed out that a
significant amount of sales tax refunds are currently stuck with the FBR, adding to the challenges faced
by industries.
“Previously, the refund system had been automated, which ensured timely payments, but later
complications brought the process to a halt again,” Naqi said. He assured that KATI would continue to
cooperate with FBR to support ongoing reforms.
Acting Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya criticized the filer-non-filer divide, saying it discourages
compliance. “Non-filers can escape the system by paying nominal penalties, while compliant taxpayers
bear the burden of audits and record maintenance. Eliminating this divide could quadruple tax
revenues,” he stated.
Senior Vice President Ejaz Sheikh emphasized the importance of training and support for smaller
businesses to adapt to new systems. Committee Chairman Tariq Malik recommended establishing a
direct communication channel between KATI and FBR and encouraged members to compile their
concerns and suggestions to be formally submitted to the Chief Commissioner.
FBR officials also gave a detailed presentation on the use of PRAL, including invoice generation, return
filing, and other technical aspects. Participants engaged actively and highlighted practical challenges and
the need for further reforms.
In his closing remarks, Aftab Imam thanked the attendees and announced that similar training sessions
would be held regularly to raise awareness and expand the national tax base.
