KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi Receives Comprehensive Briefing on Tax and Telecom Progress
In a significant meeting at Governor House Peshawar on Tuesday, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi was thoroughly briefed by officials from the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Peshawar and the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC). The session focused on critical areas including tax collection performance, revenue targets, and ongoing digital infrastructure projects across the province.
Detailed Tax Revenue Overview and Growth Trends
Chief Commissioner RTO Peshawar Muhammad Taqi Qureshi provided a detailed presentation to Governor Kundi, outlining the overall tax collection system and growth trends. The briefing revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's tax framework is structured into seven distinct zones: Taxpayer Zone, Corporate Zone, Withholding Zone, Mardan, Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, and Refund Zone. During the fiscal year 2024-25, the province generated an impressive approximately Rs247 billion in tax revenue, showcasing a robust financial performance.
Officials further apprised the Governor that in the current fiscal year 2025-26, sales tax has recorded a substantial growth of 27 percent, while income tax has increased by 9 percent, resulting in an overall tax growth of 16 percent so far. There is expressed confidence that the province is on track to achieve the International Monetary Fund (IMF) target of 19 percent growth by the end of the fiscal year, highlighting effective fiscal management.
Additionally, it was informed that under Section 40-D, sales tax is being applied on locally manufactured products in the erstwhile FATA/PATA regions, as well as on their supply at both local and non-local levels, ensuring a comprehensive tax net.
Governor's Emphasis on Transparency and Efficiency
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Kundi appreciated the efforts of RTO Peshawar in enhancing tax collection in alignment with IMF targets. He emphasized the urgent need to make the tax system more transparent and efficient, stating that improving the tax system and increasing revenue are vital for the province's overall development and prosperity.
The Governor also stressed the importance of further improving tax recovery mechanisms, promoting digital tax filing to streamline processes, and strengthening engagement with the business community to broaden the tax base. These measures are seen as essential steps toward fostering a more inclusive and effective fiscal environment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
NTC's Digital Initiatives and Connectivity Projects
In a separate briefing, Director NTC Peshawar Noor Hakim apprised Governor Kundi of the corporation's operational framework and initiatives across the province. The Governor was informed about NTC's institutional structure, which has been established in 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, covering both settled and merged tribal districts under various ongoing projects.
Key national-level initiatives highlighted during the session include the development of a modern transmission network system, establishment of data centres, implementation of solarization projects, rollout of public WiFi schemes, and provision of internet facilities in schools and basic health units. These efforts aim to enhance digital accessibility and infrastructure.
Currently, around 10,000 telephone connections and approximately 2,000 DSL internet services are operational under NTC in the province. Notably, a high-speed fiber internet project worth Rs300 million is underway in Peshawar, promising to boost connectivity in the regional capital. The briefing also noted that NTC holds the mandate to provide data, IT, and telecommunication services to all government institutions across the country, underscoring its pivotal role in national digitalization.
Governor's Vision for Digital Development and Public Services
Governor Kundi termed the NTC initiatives aimed at ensuring high-speed internet and improved communication connectivity as vital steps toward digital development. He asserted that these projects would play a key role in delivering modern facilities to the public, enhancing quality of life and economic opportunities.
Emphasizing the need for equitable access, the Governor highlighted the importance of ensuring easy access to digital services for every citizen, whether residing in urban centres or remote and merged districts. He also stressed that timely completion of all projects should remain a top priority to provide efficient and quality services to the people, fostering sustainable growth and inclusivity across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Principal Secretary to Governor, Zubair Arshad, was also present during the meetings, underscoring the administrative support for these critical discussions on tax and telecom advancements.
