The Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) held an online meeting with the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) team on October 12, 2026, to discuss concerns relating to the Income Tax Return Form and operational issues involving the Inland Revenue Information System (IRIS). The meeting provided an opportunity for tax practitioners and the technology team supporting Pakistan’s tax administration to review practical difficulties encountered by taxpayers and professionals when using the return form and the online filing system. The discussion focused primarily on concerns outlined in a letter submitted by KTBA on the same date, with the PRAL team addressing the points raised individually during the session.
According to the association, the meeting took place in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, allowing participants to discuss the identified issues and consider possible improvements. The PRAL team reviewed the concerns presented in KTBA’s letter on an item-by-item basis, providing an opportunity to clarify which matters could be examined through technical or operational review and which required policy-level consideration. The discussion reflected the importance of communication between tax practitioners and the institutions responsible for supporting digital tax administration, particularly when problems with forms or online systems affect the preparation and submission of tax returns.
During the meeting, the PRAL team acknowledged KTBA’s concerns regarding certain aspects of the Income Tax Return Form and assured the association that the relevant areas would be reviewed. Such reviews may help identify issues that require clarification or adjustment in the return form, although the announcement did not specify which particular fields or functions would be changed. The association’s engagement highlights the role of tax professionals in identifying practical difficulties that emerge during the filing process. Their experience working directly with taxpayers can provide useful feedback on the clarity of forms, the usability of online services and the steps required to complete tax-related procedures.
The meeting also distinguished technical or operational concerns from matters that involve tax policy. According to KTBA, issues requiring policy decisions were referred to the Policy Wing of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for consideration and appropriate action. This distinction is important because changes to the design or functioning of a digital form may be addressed differently from questions involving tax rules, reporting requirements or the interpretation of policy. While PRAL supports the technology infrastructure used in tax administration, policy-related decisions fall within the relevant responsibilities of the FBR. Referral to the Policy Wing therefore allows such matters to be considered by the appropriate authority rather than being treated solely as technical problems.
IRIS is an important part of Pakistan’s digital tax administration, providing an online environment for taxpayers and tax practitioners to complete various tax-related processes. The usability and reliability of such systems can influence how efficiently users prepare returns, enter information and complete filing requirements. When users encounter unclear form fields, system difficulties or other operational obstacles, they may need additional assistance to meet their obligations. Discussions between professional associations and the organisations supporting these systems can help communicate recurring concerns and identify areas where further clarification or improvements may be needed. However, the announcement did not provide a detailed list of the IRIS issues raised or confirm a timeline for resolving them.
The one-hour meeting was led by Muhammad Mehmood Bikiya, president of KTBA. Other association representatives in attendance included Saud Ul Hassan, vice president; Shams Mohiuddin Ansari, general secretary; Abdul Wahab, joint secretary; Haris Tufail, an executive committee member; and Shiraz Khan, a member. Their participation reflected the association’s engagement with the issues affecting tax practitioners and taxpayers who rely on the return form and IRIS system. The meeting also provided a channel for the association to present its concerns directly to the PRAL team and seek consideration of the difficulties identified in its formal correspondence.
The discussion forms part of the broader interaction between professional tax bodies and the institutions responsible for administering and supporting Pakistan’s tax system. Clear return forms and reliable digital filing services are important for helping taxpayers understand their reporting requirements and submit the required information accurately. Continued engagement can help bring practical problems to the attention of the relevant authorities, while follow-up reviews and policy consideration may determine which changes are appropriate. For now, KTBA has confirmed that PRAL acknowledged certain concerns and agreed to review relevant aspects of the return form, while policy-related matters have been referred to the FBR’s Policy Wing. The outcome of those reviews and any subsequent changes will determine how the issues raised during the meeting are addressed.
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