Lahore, Nov. 6 -- Despite Pakistan boasting higher tax filing numbers and an improved tax-to-GDP ratio, the country's taxation framework remains fundamentally weak, deceptive, and ineffective.

As reported by The Express Tribune, although the tax-to-GDP ratio for FY 2024-25 touched 15.7%, a 3.2% rise from the previous year, experts argue the so-called progress masks chronic flaws such as mass tax evasion, bogus filings, and continued exploitation of the compliant salaried class.

According to The Express Tribune, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) claims that income tax returns reached 5.9 million by October 31, 2025, a 17.6% jump. Yet, nearly one-third of these submissions are zero returns, revealing no taxable income.

Analysts told The...