NA finance committee questions alleged misuse of Export Facilitation Scheme
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue asked for full details of how the Export Facilitation Scheme is used and who benefits. Members said exports have shown no clear rise despite the scheme.
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- Committee members raised concerns over alleged misuse of the Export Facilitation Scheme.
- Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani promised a detailed presentation at the next meeting.
- The Tajir Dost Scheme deadline passed on October 31 and the government is preparing enforcement.
- The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was deferred.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue questioned the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) at a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday. Members raised concerns over alleged misuse of the scheme and said overall export figures had not risen correspondingly.
The committee sought a comprehensive briefing on the scheme's financial utilisation, operational mechanism, eligibility criteria and contribution to exports. According to Minute Mirror, it demanded complete details of who is benefiting and wants verified data showing the scheme's real contribution to export growth.
Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani told the committee the scheme was designed to reduce the cost of imported raw materials used in export production. He assured members that a detailed presentation would be given at the next meeting.
The committee also reviewed progress on the Tajir Dost Scheme, which aims to bring more retailers into the tax system. Members expressed concern over a lower than anticipated response from shopkeepers, despite extensive consultations with trade organisations and business representatives.
The deadline for filing returns under the scheme expired on October 31, and the government is preparing to move to the enforcement phase. Retailers who do not comply would face penalties in addition to their statutory obligation to file tax returns. The government reiterated its commitment to broadening the tax base.
Consultations were held with the Attorney General for Pakistan and the FBR on the legal and procedural soundness of the proposed enforcement measures. The detailed enforcement plan will be finalised and submitted to the Prime Minister.
The committee deferred consideration of the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2026 until its next meeting. According to APP, it also reviewed the economic implications of border closures.
Officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Law and Justice, the FBR and the SECP attended the meeting, along with several members of the National Assembly.
Why it matters
The Export Facilitation Scheme affects exporters' costs and public funds, so questions about who benefits matter to taxpayers. Retailers face penalties if they do not file returns under the Tajir Dost Scheme.
