Karachi, April 30, 2024 – Today marks the final call for shopkeepers and small traders across Pakistan to register under the newly launched Tajir Dost Scheme. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) introduced this initiative at the start of April 2024, providing a one-month window, which concludes today, for mandatory registration. Aimed at integrating more traders into the formal economy, the scheme targets those operating in six major Pakistani cities: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, and Peshawar. Shopkeepers and traders are required to register with the FBR to obtain a National Tax Number Certificate, a process facilitated through the FBR’s Tax Asaan app, its online portal, or at designated Tax Facilitation Centers. A critical aspect of the Tajir Dost Scheme is the introduction of the “Tajir Dost (Special) Procedure, 2024.” Starting from July 1, 2024, enrolled small traders will need to begin making minimum monthly advance tax payments. These payments are to be made via a Computerized Payment Receipt using the Payment Slip ID (PSID), ensuring a streamlined and documented tax process. The legislative framework for this scheme, including specifics on procedural compliance and categories of businesses affected, was outlined in the FBR’s SRO 457(I) 2024, issued following the initial announcement in Notification S.R.O. No. 420(l) 2024 on March 21, 2024. The definition of “shopkeeper” within the context of this scheme is broad, capturing a range of business…