Pakistan, IMF to Hold High-Level Tax Reform Workshop in Islamabad
Pakistan and the IMF are convening a two-day workshop on tax reforms in Islamabad on October 20-21, 2026.
A two-day high-level workshop on 'Reforms for a Modern and Growth-Friendly Tax System in Pakistan' will take place in Islamabad on October 20-21, 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The event will bring together senior government officials, IMF and World Bank representatives, international tax experts, academics, and private-sector leaders. Discussions will focus on modernizing Pakistan's tax system and its contribution to sustainable economic growth.
The workshop will cover six sessions, including taxation and economic growth, modernization of Pakistan's tax system, a unified sales tax regime, a simpler income tax system, tax administration, digitalization, and fiscal federalism. The goal is to develop a fairer, simpler, and more predictable tax system that supports revenue mobilization, investment, and business expansion.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, delivered the opening remarks alongside IMF officials Jihad Azour and Rodrigo Valdés. The workshop will conclude with a high-level panel to consolidate recommendations and identify priority next steps.
The initiative highlights the government's commitment to tax reforms for a more efficient and growth-friendly tax system, the Ministry of Finance said.
Pakistan has long struggled with a complex and inefficient tax system, which has hindered economic growth and revenue collection. The government has been working to reform the tax system with the help of international organizations like the IMF.
The tax reform efforts aim to increase revenue, reduce tax evasion, and promote economic growth, which is crucial for Pakistan's economic development.