Pakistan Business Federation Threatens Nationwide Strike Over 2026 Tax Measures

Tax reform remains a significant challenge globally, with countries facing various systemic and compliance issues. Australia struggles with an outdated tax framework, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers convening an economic reform roundtable amid resistance to changing the goods and services tax. In Nigeria, tax controversies often arise from audits and assessments conducted by the Federal and State Inland Revenue Services, highlighting procedural complexities and taxpayer rights during disputes. South Africa's tax season emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate filing, with SARS employing advanced data-matching to detect evasion, while its progressive personal income tax system aims to reduce inequality but is weakened by tax deductions and credits. Meanwhile, Pakistan faces strong opposition from trade bodies against stringent tax enforcement measures aimed at increasing documentation and compliance, with fears that harsh penalties could push businesses into the informal economy. These examples illustrate the global tensions between tax policy objectives, enforcement measures, and taxpayer compliance challenges.