Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has reviewed progress on the retailers' tax scheme, stressing the need to simplify tax procedures, facilitate registration and broaden the country's tax base.

Chairing a meeting at the Finance Division, the finance minister discussed registration, tax returns, payment requirements and operational challenges under the scheme. The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Finance, FBR Chairman and senior officials.

Aurangzeb said the scheme offered small retailers a simplified route to join the formal tax system and contribute to economic development.

The meeting also reviewed efforts to identify and map unregistered retailers through available data and identification records. The FBR briefed participants on data validation and the need to ensure accurate registration records.

The finance minister stressed a balanced approach that combines taxpayer facilitation with targeted and properly documented measures.

He said the scheme should not be viewed as a one-year arrangement limited to 2026, but as a long-term mechanism to help small retailers enter and remain within the formal tax system.

The meeting reaffirmed the government's commitment to simplifying tax compliance, documenting economic activity and progressively broadening the tax base.