Updated 6 November 2026
Two changes are reshaping how Pakistani businesses keep their books. Regulators now expect records, invoices and filings to be digital, and listed companies are being asked to report on sustainability alongside their financial statements. Moving from paper to well-controlled digital accounting helps on both fronts: it cuts paper use and it makes compliance easier to evidence.
Digital filing is now the norm
- Income tax: returns and wealth statements are filed online through the FBR’s IRIS portal.
- Sales tax e-invoicing: under SRO 1413 of 2025, sales tax-registered persons must integrate their invoicing with the FBR’s digital invoicing system, in phases by size and type of business. The FBR has revised the phase dates since the first notification, so check the schedule that applies to you on the FBR website.
- Corporate filings: annual returns, beneficial ownership forms and other statutory filings are submitted through the SECP’s eServices portal.
Businesses that still rely on paper ledgers and manual invoices find these requirements harder and slower to meet, and are more exposed to errors and penalties.
Sustainability reporting for listed companies
The SECP has adopted IFRS S1 (general requirements for sustainability-related financial information) and IFRS S2 (climate-related disclosures) in phases. Phase 1 applies to certain listed companies for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2025, with further phases from July 2026 and July 2027; unlisted licensed public-interest companies come in at the third phase. Auditor assurance on sustainability reporting starts from the second year of reporting.
Separately, the SECP’s revised ESG Disclosure Guidelines for listed companies are aligned with the Pakistan Green Taxonomy. According to published reports, these disclosures are voluntary until June 2029, after which a phased mandatory regime is planned.
Climate and sustainability disclosures depend on the same thing as good financial reporting: reliable, well-documented data. Companies that already run controlled digital systems are better placed to collect it.
What environmentally responsible, compliant accounting looks like
- Go paperless where the law allows: scan and index supporting documents, approve invoices and payments electronically, and keep a clear retention policy.
- Use one system of record: an ERP or accounting system that links sales, purchases, inventory and payroll reduces duplicate data entry and reconciliation work.
- Build controls into the system: user access rights, approval workflows and audit trails make it easier to show auditors and the FBR what happened and who approved it.
- Integrate with the regulators: make sure your invoicing meets the FBR’s digital invoicing requirements and that filing calendars for FBR, provincial revenue authorities and the SECP are tracked.
- Plan your sustainability data early: if you are a listed or public-interest company, identify now which energy, emissions and governance data you will need for IFRS S1 and S2.
How we can help
Our IT advisory team works with clients on ERP selection, implementation and controls reviews, and we deliver ERP solutions in partnership with Digi8 (Pvt) Limited. Our audit and IFRS teams help companies prepare for sustainability reporting and assurance. Contact us to discuss moving your accounting to a digital, compliant footing.
Sources
- SECP press release, 1 January 2025: adoption of IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards
- Dawn, 2 August 2025: FBR makes e-invoicing mandatory from Aug 1
- Profit: SECP issues revised ESG disclosure guidelines aligned with Pakistan Green Taxonomy
- Federal Board of Revenue · Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
This article is general information as at the date shown and is not tax, legal or financial advice. Requirements and deadlines change; please obtain advice on your circumstances before acting.