President of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Junaid Naqi, has appealed to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for a three-month extension to the deadline for sales tax e-invoicing integration. Naqi states that businesses need more time to adapt to the new system.

While KATI supports FBR’s digitization efforts, Naqi claims most firms are not ready for the July 1, 2025 deadline set for corporate taxpayers and the August 1, 2025 deadline for non-corporate taxpayers. He warned that hasty implementation could have negative consequences.

Naqi cited technical hurdles and delays since the beginning of the e-invoicing integration process, creating concern in the business sector. He cautioned that a phased rollout is essential to avoid increased non-compliance, jeopardizing FBR’s transparency and modernization goals.

Naqi stressed that while a digital system is necessary, implementation without proper preparation and education will disrupt business activities. A three-month extension would help businesses adapt better and ensure a smoother transition.

He said hasty changes would create numerous problems, complicating compliance and other processes. Naqi reiterated the business community’s willingness to cooperate with FBR but emphasized the need for practical timelines.

He concluded by emphasizing cooperation and support, saying that industry and trade are the pillars of the economy, and no revenue target can be met without their stability.