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ISLAMABAD \u2013 The Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) performance and suggested revisions, the Tajir Dost Scheme\u2019s implementation progress, and the economic effects of border closures were all examined by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue on Tuesday.<\/strong><\/p>\n The committee discussed important matters pertaining to the nation\u2019s budgetary and economic policies, according to a press statement released here.<\/p>\n Committee members requested a thorough briefing on the Export Facilitation Scheme\u2019s financial utilization, operational system, eligibility requirements, and contribution to boosting Pakistan\u2019s exports during the debate of the program.<\/p>\n Members raised concerns over the alleged misuse of the facility and questioned its effectiveness in the absence of a corresponding increase in overall export figures. They stressed that the scheme\u2019s performance should be evaluated on the basis of verifiable data demonstrating its actual contribution to export growth.<\/p>\n On the occasion, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani informed the committee that the EFS was designed to facilitate exporters by reducing the cost of imported raw materials used in the production of goods intended for export.<\/p>\n He assured members that a detailed presentation covering the scheme\u2019s performance, financial utilisation, impact on exports, eligibility criteria and proposed reforms would be submitted at the next meeting.<\/p>\n The committee also reviewed progress on the implementation of the Tajir Dost Scheme and expressed concern over the lower-than-anticipated response from retailers, despite extensive consultations with trade organisations and business representatives.<\/p>\n The Minister of State informed the committee that the deadline for filing returns under the scheme had expired on October 31, and the government was preparing to move towards the enforcement phase. He explained that retailers failing to comply with the scheme would be liable to penalties, in addition to their statutory obligation to file tax returns.<\/p>\n He reiterated the government\u2019s commitment to broadening the tax base and ensuring implementation of the scheme.<\/p>\n The committee was also informed that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Attorney General for Pakistan had been consulted in order to confirm the planned enforcement measures\u2019 legal and procedural soundness. The Prime Minister would then receive the completed, comprehensive enforcement strategy.<\/p>\n The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was postponed until the committee\u2019s next meeting.<\/p>\n MNAs Rana Iradat Sharif Khan, Syed Sami ul Hassan Gillani, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Dr. Nafisa Shah, Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, Shahida Begum, and Dr. Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui participated virtually in the meeting.<\/p>\n Senior representatives from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani were also present as special invitees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n