The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan has officially launched the Pakistan Honour Card Scheme, aimed at acknowledging and rewarding the country’s top exporters and taxpayers. This initiative, introduced through SRO469, offers a range of privileges to eligible individuals and entities, including expedited immigration clearance, diplomatic passport issuance, and access to VIP lounges at airports.
The eligibility criteria for the Honour Card are stringent, limited to 65 top-performing exporters and compliant taxpayers. These include companies, associations of persons (AOPs), and individuals who have been previously recognized by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their contributions to the economy and adherence to tax regulations.
The selection process for the Honour Card involves various categories, recognizing exceptional performance across different sectors. Nine exporters will be chosen based on their substantial export proceeds, while additional spots will be allocated for leading exporters in sectors such as chemicals, food, leather, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and sports goods.
Special attention is given to non-traditional and innovative product exporters, with specific awards earmarked for top performers in categories such as aluminium products, spices, and fishery products. The information technology sector will also see three leading exporters honored under this scheme.
Furthermore, the scheme acknowledges exporters with significant year-over-year growth, newcomers to the export scene, the top three women exporters, and the highest taxpayers across various categories, including the largest income tax contributors, top corporate taxpayers, and leading AOPs and individual taxpayers.
To qualify for the Honour Card, applicants must demonstrate a clean financial record, including full tax payments based on their returns or final tax statements, absence of outstanding tax arrears or claims (unless under judicial review), and no ongoing criminal tax-related proceedings.
