FBR keeps offices open on Feb 28 holiday
Tax offices to operate nationwide to meet revenue targets
The Federal Board of Revenue has announced that its offices will remain open on February 28 despite the public holiday, as authorities move to meet revenue collection targets before the month-end closing.
In a notification issued on Thursday, the FBR directed all Large Taxpayer Offices, Regional Tax Offices, and Corporate Tax Offices to remain operational during normal working hours. The move aims to facilitate taxpayers in filing returns and depositing duties and taxes before the deadline.
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Officials said designated branches of the State Bank of Pakistan and authorized commercial banks will also remain open to process tax payments. The step is intended to ensure uninterrupted revenue collection and smooth clearance of pending transactions.
The FBR often extends working days or keeps offices open on holidays near the end of a fiscal period to avoid shortfalls in monthly collection targets. Pakistan relies heavily on tax receipts to finance public spending, debt servicing, and development expenditures.
According to recent data released by the FBR, tax collection has shown gradual improvement in recent months, though authorities continue to face challenges in expanding the tax base. The government has committed to strengthening revenue mobilization under its broader fiscal reform agenda.
Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains below regional averages, prompting repeated efforts to enhance compliance and digitalize tax administration. The FBR has introduced online filing systems and digital tracking mechanisms to improve transparency and reduce leakages.
Keeping offices open on February 28 is seen as part of these efforts to maximize revenue intake and ensure that monthly and quarterly targets remain on track.
Taxpayers have been advised to take advantage of the extended working arrangement and complete their pending filings and payments within the stipulated time.
The FBR’s decision underscores the government’s focus on revenue consolidation as it navigates fiscal pressures and works toward meeting its budgetary commitments for the ongoing financial year.