In a significant development aimed at providing relief to the business and real estate sectors, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to hold in abeyance its recently issued property valuation tables. The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has warmly welcomed this decision, viewing it as a positive step towards addressing longstanding concerns of traders and investors.
ICCI Applauds FBR's Responsive Action
The ICCI, a leading representative body for the business community in the federal capital, expressed its satisfaction with the FBR's move. The chamber had been actively advocating for a review of the valuation tables, arguing that the newly set rates were unrealistic and would stifle economic activity. The FBR's decision to pause the implementation, announced on December 16, 2025, is seen as a direct response to these concerted appeals from the business sector.
Industry experts highlight that property valuation tables are crucial for determining tax liabilities on real estate transactions. When these state-assigned values are perceived as excessively high, they can lead to a sharp decline in market activity, as buyers and sellers become hesitant to engage in transactions that incur heavy tax burdens. The ICCI's intervention underscored the potential negative impact on the real estate sector, a key component of Pakistan's economy.
Implications for Traders and the Real Estate Market
The suspension of the new tables means that, for the time being, previous valuation benchmarks will remain in effect. This interim period is expected to prevent a freeze in property dealings and provide much-needed breathing space for stakeholders. The real estate market, which often serves as a barometer for economic confidence, had shown signs of strain following the announcement of the revised tables.
The chamber emphasized that rational and market-aligned property valuations are essential for encouraging documented transactions, boosting government revenue in the long term, and fostering a healthy investment climate. By putting the new tables on hold, the FBR has opened a window for further consultation and potential revision, a process the ICCI is keen to participate in constructively.
A Step Towards Collaborative Policy Making
This episode marks an important instance of regulatory responsiveness to feedback from the private sector. The ICCI's prompt and effective advocacy demonstrates the role business chambers can play in shaping pragmatic economic policy. The decision is anticipated to have a ripple effect, potentially encouraging similar dialogue on other fiscal matters affecting commerce and industry across Pakistan.
Moving forward, the focus will be on the collaborative process between the FBR and business representatives to develop a fair, transparent, and economically viable property valuation framework. The goal remains to strike a balance between ensuring tax compliance and not overburdening a sector vital for capital formation and employment. The business community in Islamabad and beyond will be watching closely as this dialogue progresses, hopeful for a permanent solution that supports both economic growth and revenue generation.
