Written by Shahnawaz Akhter KARACHI, April 20, 2026- The Large Taxpayers Office (LTO) Karachi reported record tax collection of Rs2.58 trillion in the first nine months of fiscal year 2025-26, marking a 10% increase compared with the same period last year, official data showed on Monday. According to provisional figures, the country’s largest tax collection arm had generated Rs2.34 trillion during July–March 2024-25. The latest performance reflects improved revenue mobilisation across key tax categories despite a challenging economic environment. During the period under review, the LTO Karachi issued more than Rs102 billion in refunds to taxpayers, indicating ongoing adjustments in tax administration and claims settlement. Direct tax collection remained the strongest contributor, rising 15% to Rs1.46 trillion compared with Rs1.27 trillion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Officials attributed the increase primarily to higher receipts from super tax, which contributed around Rs97 billion during the nine-month period. Sales tax collection posted modest growth of 3%, reaching Rs938 billion against Rs913 billion a year earlier. The relatively subdued increase was linked to sluggish domestic economic activity and weaker consumption trends. Within sales tax, the LTO also issued Rs59 billion in refunds during July–March 2025-26, up 16% from Rs50 billion in the same period last…