Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) initiates the pilot phase of the Tajir Dost Scheme 2024 across federal and provincial capitals, with plans for expansion to additional cities in the future. The scheme’s inaugural stage is rolled out in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Quetta, with Faisalabad slated for inclusion in subsequent phases.

Addressing concerns regarding Rawalpindi’s inclusion, sources clarify that due to the integrated nature of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, both cities are treated as one entity for scheme purposes, hence their joint recognition. Critics speculate on the selection criteria, suggesting political considerations over economic viability. They argue that cities with significant economic activity, like Faisalabad and Sialkot, have been overlooked in favor of politically affiliated locations.

The Tajir Dost Scheme 2024 targets traders and shopkeepers operating from fixed physical locations, encompassing shops, stores, warehouses, offices, or similar establishments within specified territorial limits. Eligible participants in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Rawalpindi, including cantonment areas, are required to register and fulfill minimum advance tax obligations.

Applicable to various stakeholders in the supply chain, including wholesalers, dealers, retailers, manufacturers cum retailers, and importers cum retailers, the scheme aims to streamline tax compliance for businesses operating within designated urban centers.