The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new process for including taxpayers in the Active Taxpayers List (ATL), enabling certain individuals who submit their latest income tax returns after the due date to be added without having to pay a surcharge.

As per the documents released by the FBR, the tax authority has presented a draft of additional amendments to the Income Tax Rules, 2002, which suggest modifications to the current process for being included in the ATL.

According to the proposed procedure, an individual who files their income tax return for the most recent tax year after the prescribed or extended deadline may be eligible for inclusion in the ATL without having to pay the applicable surcharge, provided they meet specific conditions.

The proposed mechanism requires the taxpayer to submit an undertaking via the Iris system using the prescribed ATL Form under sub-section (3) of Section 182A of the Income Tax Ordinance.

As stated in the draft, a person who files the latest tax year’s income tax return after the due or extended date and submits the necessary undertaking through Iris might have their name added to the ATL without the need to pay the surcharge.

The proposed changes are intended to offer a pathway for taxpayers who miss the filing deadline but later complete their tax return and fulfill the required declarations.

The FBR has invited input and suggestions from stakeholders on the proposed amendments.
Any feedback can be submitted to the board within seven days of the notification being published in the official Gazette.

These amendments are part of the FBR’s ongoing efforts to review and improve tax administration processes and provide clearer guidelines regarding the status of taxpayers who file returns after the statutory or extended deadline.

The Active Taxpayers List plays a significant role in Pakistan’s tax system, as being on the ATL can influence the withholding tax rates applicable to individuals and businesses on various transactions.

However, the final process will be determined by the amendments that are approved and officially communicated by the FBR after considering the feedback received from stakeholders.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has commended Pakistan for its “pivotal role” in helping to bring the United States and Iran into dialogue.During a visit to Islamabad on Tuesday, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Guterres highlighted how Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have created a conducive environment for discussions between Washington and Tehran.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s active involvement is central to maintaining international peace and security, and praised the country’s leadership in brokering talks between the two nations.

Guterres acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution to achieving the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire, and a framework for future negotiations.
He stated, “Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role.”

During a press conference in Islamabad, the UN chief directly urged all parties to stop hostilities and refocus on diplomatic solutions.
He called for an end to the conflict, a return to diplomacy, and the restoration of navigational rights in line with international law.

He also connected regional peace with the situation in Palestine, noting that lasting peace cannot be achieved until the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is recognized.
Pakistan has consistently supported this recognition.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ishaq Dar met with Guterres to discuss regional and global issues affecting peace and security, as reported by Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
The discussion included topics such as Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, and the future of multilateralism.

Pakistan and Poland have decided to increase their cooperation in areas such as security, counterterrorism and efforts to stop illegal migration.

This agreement was made during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, and Poland’s Minister and Head of the Council of Ministers Tomasz Siemoniak.

The discussion during the meeting centered around improving the relationship between the two countries and expanding collaboration between their security and law enforcement agencies.

Both sides talked about sharing intelligence, taking action against terrorism, dealing with organized crime, and finding ways to prevent illegal migration.
They also emphasized the need for more high-level interactions and pushing forward with bilateral cooperation.

Pakistan and Poland agreed to speed up the process of finalizing several memorandums of understanding, including agreements on mutual legal assistance.
A Pakistani delegation, led by Talal Chaudhry, is expected to visit Poland shortly.

Naqvi stated that Pakistan has taken a strict stance against drugs, illegal migration, and organized crime.
He mentioned that government actions have led to a 64% drop in illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe.

The interior minister said better coordination between the two countries could help in further reducing such crimes.
Siemoniak assured Pakistan of Poland’s support in this effort.

The two countries also talked about creating more job opportunities and legal migration channels for Pakistani citizens in Europe as a way to address illegal migration.
The Polish minister said that Pakistanis would be welcome in Poland through legal means.

Siemoniak said Pakistan and Poland share similar views on counterterrorism and security issues.
The meeting also covered ways to strengthen people-to-people connections, trade, and business ties between the two nations.

The Polish minister stressed the importance of developing economic relationships along with political and security ties.
Naqvi thanked Poland for its support regarding the European Union’s GSP Plus program.

They also discussed the possibility of visa-free travel between Pakistan and Poland for those holding official passports.

Siemoniak expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
The meeting was attended by the interior secretary and other senior officials.