27/01/2026
Federal Constitutional Court Dismisses All Appeals Against Super Tax — Government Expects Over Rs. 300 Billion in Revenue, Major Blow to Business Community
Islamabad: The Federal Constitutional Court on Tuesday dismissed all petitions filed against the imposition of Super Tax, thereby restoring Section 4B of the Income Tax Ordinance. After prolonged hearings, the court issued a short order, paving the way for an expected increase of over Rs. 300 billion in government revenue.
Super Tax was initially introduced in 2015 to support the rehabilitation of victims affected by terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, imposing an additional 5% tax on individuals and entities earning annual profits exceeding Rs. 300 million. Later, in 2022, the threshold was reduced to Rs. 150 million, and the rate was increased to a maximum of 10%.
Prominent business leaders, banks, and corporate entities challenged the tax before various High Courts, primarily arguing retrospective application and double taxation. However, all High Courts upheld the constitutional validity of the Super Tax.
The case first reached the Supreme Court in 2019 and was subsequently transferred to the Constitutional Bench following the 26th Constitutional Amendment. After the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the newly established Federal Constitutional Court, after 17 hearings, announced its short order.
The bench comprised Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, Justice Hasan Rizvi, and Justice Irshad Hussain Shah. During proceedings, the Revenue Department was represented by Hafiz Ehsan Khokhar, while Commissioners Karachi and Lahore were represented by Dr. Shah Nawaz and Asma Hamid, respectively.
Following this ruling, the Super Tax will remain enforceable, strengthening the government’s legal authority and revenue base. However, the decision is expected to increase financial pressure on the business community.