PTBA Urges FBR to Establish Dedicated Tax Office in Gwadar to Address Growing Needs

The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to establish a dedicated tax office in Gwadar. The move is deemed essential to address rising economic activity and compliance challenges faced by local taxpayers in Gwadar, Turbat, and nearby regions. In a letter to FBR Member IR Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, the PTBA highlighted the inadequacy of the current facilitation center in Gwadar, which fails to meet the region's expanding tax requirements due to increased business activities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Taxpayers currently endure exhausting 5-6 hour road trips for case hearings, emphasizing the urgent need for a local FBR office. The PTBA's request follows a recent tax awareness seminar in Gwadar and the establishment of the provisional Makran Tax Bar. The letter stressed that Gwadar’s strategic importance in CPEC calls for stronger local tax administration to support businesses and individuals. Key benefits of establishing an FBR office in Gwadar include Enhanced revenue collection, Simplified tax compliance for businesses and Boosted investor confidence. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of transforming Gwadar into a regional economic powerhouse.