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The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed an immediate advance sales tax on the steel mill sector in Gujranwala, directing electricity distribution companies to begin collecting the tax through power bills. According to the FBR, eligible steel mills will have to pay an additional Rs30 per unit in advance sales tax through their electricity bills. The tax collection has been ordered to begin immediately. The FBR issued a written directive to electricity distribution companies, instructing them to recover the applicable amount from steel mills falling within the scope of the new advance tax arrangement. The revenue authority has also released a list of steel mills that are subject to the advance sales tax. The move is expected to affect the operating costs of businesses included in the notified category. However, the FBR has clarified that steel mills importing a significant proportion of their raw materials will be exempt from the advance sales tax. According to the notification, mills that import 70% of their raw material will not fall under the new tax requirement. Electricity distribution companies have been directed to start collecting the advance tax immediately and submit a compliance report to the FBR by August 23. The decision represents another significant tax measure affecting Pakistan’s industrial sector. Collecting the tax through electricity bills provides the authorities with a direct mechanism for recovering the amount from eligible industrial units. For steel manufacturers, however, the additional Rs30 per unit could increase electricity-related operating expenses, particularly for mills with high energy consumption. The impact will depend on individual production levels, electricity usage and whether a particular mill qualifies for the exemption. The steel industry is an important component of Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, supplying products for construction, infrastructure and other industrial activities. Changes in taxation and energy costs can therefore have wider implications for production costs and market prices. The latest FBR directive also places responsibility on electricity distribution companies to ensure timely collection and reporting. Mills covered by the notification will need to account for the additional charge in their electricity bills as the new collection mechanism takes effect. The government’s decision comes as the FBR continues efforts to strengthen tax collection and broaden revenue measures. The implementation deadline of August 23 means the authorities are expected to monitor compliance closely over the coming days.

Pakistan security forces have foiled a suicide attack on a checkpost in South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing four terrorists, including the suicide bomber, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, terrorists attempted to attack a security forces checkpost by driving an explosives-filled vehicle toward the installation. However, the attack was stopped due to the quick and effective response of security personnel. The ISPR said that the explosives-laden vehicle was engaged and destroyed before it could reach the checkpost, killing the suicide bomber inside. The failed attack caused no damage to the security installation and no casualties were reported among security forces. Following the initial attack attempt, troops engaged other militants who tried to enter the area. According to the statement, three terrorists were forced into a nearby compound and were later killed during a targeted clearance operation carried out by security forces. The military said a sanitisation operation was also launched in the surrounding area to search for any remaining militants and ensure the security of the region. The ISPR reiterated that counter-terrorism operations under the “Azm-i-Istehkam” initiative will continue with full commitment to eliminate terrorism and prevent attacks against the country. The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces and law enforcement agencies to tackle militant threats. The incident comes a day after a terrorist attack on a joint police checkpost in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including security personnel. Officials said the attack highlighted the continuing security challenges faced by the province. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed an increase in militant activities over the past year, with security forces conducting frequent operations against armed groups operating in the region. Security officials have stated that intelligence-based operations and targeted actions will continue to counter militant networks and protect civilians and security personnel. The latest operation in South Waziristan reflects the ongoing security efforts aimed at preventing attacks and maintaining stability in areas affected by terrorism.