🛍️ Pakistan’s E-Commerce Industry Calls for Clarity, Not Conflict: Sign the Petition for Fair Digital Taxation

By Pakistan E-Commerce Association & Chainstore Association of Pakistan

The digital economy in Pakistan is at a critical turning point. With the announcement of the Finance Bill 2025–26, the government has introduced new taxation measures targeting e-commerce, digital sellers, and modern retail channels. While we recognize and respect the government’s intent to widen the tax net and formalize the economy, the way these new policies have been structured has left the industry in a state of confusion and concern.

In response, the Pakistan E-Commerce Association (PEA) and Chainstore Association of Pakistan (CAP) have launched an online petition, which has already garnered support from hundreds of leading brands, platforms, and SMEs. This petition is a constructive call to action — not against taxation — but for fair, consultative, and non-confusing digital policies that strengthen, not strangle, Pakistan’s digital economy.

🔗 Sign the Petition Here:
👉 https://www.chainstore.pk/ecom-petition-2025

❗ What’s the Concern?

The Finance Bill 2025–26 includes several measures that directly impact online businesses, courier services, marketplaces, and digital entrepreneurs:

• Advance income tax deductions without clarity on refund mechanisms

• Differential treatment between COD (Cash on Delivery) and online payments, making digital adoption more costly

• Lack of defined thresholds and slabs for small businesses vs large platforms

• Vague language on who qualifies as an e-commerce “platform” or “intermediary”

• Absence of consultation with the actual practitioners of e-commerce — the brands, SMEs, retailers, and marketplaces that drive digital commerce daily

These issues are not just theoretical — they affect millions of customers and thousands of jobs in logistics, retail, payments, and technology across Pakistan.

🤝 What Are We Demanding?

Through this petition, CAP and PEA are requesting the following from the Ministry of Finance, FBR, and Ministry of Commerce:

1. Immediate stakeholder consultation before enforcement of these taxation changes

2. Simplified, transparent policies that are easy for SMEs, startups, and platforms to comply with

3. Fair treatment between offline and online retail, especially in withholding and advance tax systems

4. Clear definitions and consistent language in the Finance Bill to prevent legal and operational ambiguity

We believe that with the right policies, e-commerce can become a long-term revenue generator for the government — but confusing and punitive taxation will only result in non-compliance, distrust, and decline.

🇵🇰 Let’s Communicate with the Government — Respectfully & Collectively

This is not a campaign of resistance — it is a campaign of collaboration and responsibility.

We are not against taxation. In fact, many e-commerce businesses are already voluntarily registered for GST, file income tax returns, and are part of formal banking and logistics networks. What we seek is clarity, simplicity, and fairness — so that we can focus on growth, not paperwork.

By signing the petition, you are saying:

✅ “Yes to taxes, but No to confusion.”
✅ “Yes to documentation, but No to unfair treatment.”
✅ “Yes to building Pakistan’s digital economy — together.”

✍️ How You Can Help:

• Sign the petition here: https://www.chainstore.pk/ecom-petition-2025

• Share it with your network — on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook

• Email it to other stakeholders in your ecosystem — suppliers, partners, agencies

• Tag @FBR, @FinanceGovPK, @CommerceGovPK in your social posts with the hashtag:
  #EcomTaxCrisis #DigitalPakistan #FixEcomTaxes

📣 Final Thoughts

This is the moment to stand together — respectfully, constructively, and confidently.

Let us work with the government, not against it, to build a digital commerce ecosystem that is documented, fair, and thriving. The future of Pakistan’s economy is digital — let’s make sure the policies guiding it are just as forward-thinking.

🔗 Sign and Support Today:
👉 https://www.chainstore.pk/ecom-petition-2025