ISLAMABAD, June 20 -- Pakistan's Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani has announced that the government plans to bring approximately 3.5 million shopkeepers into the tax net during the current fiscal year as part of efforts to broaden the country's tax base and strengthen the economy.

Speaking during the debate on the federal budget for 2026-27 in the National Assembly, Kayani said the initiative is designed to increase tax compliance among traders and improve revenue collection.

He stated that around 3.5 million retailers and shopkeepers are expected to be registered under the new drive during the fiscal year. According to the minister, the government intends to encourage voluntary compliance by offering certain...