The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday halted the public release of taxpayers’ data, ruling that personal financial information cannot be shared under the Right to Information law. The court said that protecting financial privacy is more vital than making such records public. The decision came after the Federal Board of Revenue challenged earlier orders seeking disclosure.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued the restraining order while hearing a petition filed by the FBR against directives of the Pakistan Information Commission (PIC). Those directives, issued in December 2025 and January 2026, had asked the tax authority to provide tax-related details under the Right to Information framework.
During the hearing, the court observed that tax records fall under confidential financial information and cannot be disclosed, even in the name of transparency. The judge suspended the implementation of the PIC’s orders and issued notices to all concerned parties, asking them to submit their replies.
Senior advocate Hafiz Ehsan Khokhar appeared on behalf of the FBR and argued that making taxpayers’ financial details public could violate privacy and undermine trust in the tax system.
Meanwhile, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial shared updates on revenue collection, stating that Rs. 70 billion has so far been recovered under the Super Tax. He said the amount collected in January has already been added to the overall revenue figures.
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Langrial said the FBR has set a revenue target of Rs. 1,028 billion for the current month and expressed confidence that it would be achieved. He added that total Super Tax collections are expected to reach Rs. 217 billion, which would provide relief to the government’s fiscal position.
