ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved 37 commercial and residential building projects within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) this year, covering a combined 6,690,580 square feet of construction.

The approvals were issued by CDA’s Building and Housing Control Wing through its Design Vetting Committee (DVC), which reviewed a total of 42 project applications across seven meetings held during 2026.

The approved portfolio includes a mix of commercial plazas, apartment buildings, mixed-use developments, office units, a hostel facility, five mosques, and one school building. Collectively, the projects will introduce 721 commercial shops, 1,981 residential flats, and 362 office units to the capital.

CDA officials noted that the current pace and scale of approvals reflect the authority’s continued support for the construction industry and its efforts to encourage investment in Islamabad, while upholding professional standards in building design.

The authority also reaffirmed its commitment to further streamlining regulatory processes, including the approval of building plans and issuance of completion certificates, while ensuring compliance with safety requirements under the ICT Building Control Regulations 2023.

The DVC review mechanism remains a core part of CDA’s regulatory oversight of private construction activity in the capital, balancing development facilitation with safety and planning compliance.

For more real estate news and special reports, visit Chakor.

Sources:

• CDA

Saleha Ali

BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.

Akbari Mandi Lahore is one of the oldest wholesale markets in South Asia. For nearly 500 years, traders have bought and sold spices, grains, and dry fruit here, and the market is still where much of Punjab looks for its daily rates. If you are planning a visit, sourcing dry fruit in bulk, or simply curious about the history behind the name, this guide covers everything: the Akbari Mandi Lahore location, opening timings, what to buy, and how the market has changed over the past five centuries.

Quick Facts About Akbari Mandi

What Is Akbari Mandi? A 500-Year-Old Market in the Walled City

The Founding, Under Mughal Emperor Akbar

Akbari Mandi takes its name from Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, the third Mughal emperor. It was established near Delhi Gate in the 16th century, deliberately outside the residential heart of the old city, so that traders and their caravans could operate without disrupting the neighbourhoods inside.

Over time, the market grew until it reached Akbari Gate as well, and today it sits between the two.

One often-repeated piece of local history is that the British East India Company approached Akbar’s court asking to handle the spice trade on the empire’s behalf. According to accounts of the period, the request was turned down, and Akbari Mandi continued to operate as an independently run trading hub for centuries afterwards.

From Grain Caravanserai to Asia’s Largest Spice Market

Akbari Mandi began life mainly as a grain market and caravanserai, a resting point for trading caravans passing through Lahore. Over the following centuries, it expanded into grains, pulses, herbs, chemicals, and eventually spices and dry fruit, which are what most visitors associate with the market today. 

It is commonly described as one of Asia’s largest and oldest wholesale spice and dry-fruit markets, and traders say prices agreed here often set the tone for retail rates across the rest of Punjab.

Ownership of the shops has also changed with the region’s history. Older traders recall that before 1947, most shops in the Akbari Gate area were run by Hindu families, with only a handful of Muslim-owned businesses. After Partition, Muslim traders took over the market, and it grew into the largest grain and food market in the province.

Despite decades of digital commerce and online ordering, a large share of business at Akbari Mandi is still done the traditional way, on relationships and handwritten ledgers, rather than through formal contracts.

Akbari Mandi Lahore Location and How to Get There

Akbari Mandi Location at a Glance

The Akbari Mandi location sits inside the Walled City of Lahore, in the area locals call Androon Lahore. It runs along and around Circular Road, between two of the city’s historic gates, Delhi Gate and Akbari Gate.

Both gates serve as entry points into the market, and either one works as a landmark if you’re asking for directions or entering the address into a map app.

The immediate area is dense with other historic sites. The Shahi Hammam (Royal Bath) and Shah Hamdan Mosque are a short walk away, Akbari Gate itself sits opposite Lahore Fort, and Masjid PS Kotwali is another nearby marker locals use for directions.

Getting There: Access and Parking

Because Akbari Mandi sits inside a centuries-old walled city, its lanes were never built for cars. The market has no dedicated parking lot, and most visitors leave their vehicles along Circular Road before walking in.

Within the market itself, only small hand-carts and, historically, horse-drawn vehicles were permitted to move goods during business hours, which gives some sense of how narrow the internal lanes are.

If you’re visiting for the first time, a few practical tips help:

• Park on Circular Road or a nearby side street rather than trying to drive further in.
• Consider a rickshaw or taxi for the final stretch, especially during peak trading hours.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The lanes are uneven, and you’ll be walking, not driving, through most of the market.
• Expect crowds and some traffic congestion around the entrances, particularly in the late morning and afternoon.

Akbari Mandi Timings: When to Visit

Reported opening hours vary slightly by source and by shop, but most accounts agree that Akbari Mandi gets going in the late morning, usually between 10 AM and 11 AM, and stays open into the evening. Individual shopkeepers set their own hours, so a few stalls may open earlier or close later than others.

Akbari Mandi Dry Fruit: Why the Market Is Famous Nationwide

Although it started out as a grain market, Akbari Mandi dry fruit trading is now what most people, inside and outside Lahore, associate with the name. Ask a wholesaler or home cook in Punjab where to buy dry fruit in bulk, and Akbari Mandi is usually the first answer.

The market is Punjab’s primary distribution point for dried fruit and nuts, and rates agreed here tend to influence pricing in other cities across northern Pakistan.

Popular Dry Fruits Available

Shoppers browsing the Akbari Mandi dry fruit section will typically find:

• Almonds (Badam)
• Walnuts (Akhrot)
• Cashews (Kaju)
• Pistachios (Pista)
• Dried figs (Anjeer)
• Dates (Khajoor)
• Peanuts (Moongphali)
• Pine nuts (Chilgoza) and raisins (Kishmish)

How Wholesale Pricing Works

Prices at Akbari Mandi change daily, based on supply, season, and international commodity trends, so any specific per-kilo figure goes out of date quickly.

As a general rule, wholesale rates here tend to run noticeably lower than retail prices elsewhere in the city, which is why both individual households and small shopkeepers travel here to buy.

For the most current rates, it’s best to check directly with vendors, many of whom now share daily price updates over WhatsApp or social media, or to check live commodity listings that track Akbari Mandi’s grain and produce rates alongside other Pakistani markets.

Prices at Akbari Mandi also follow a fairly predictable seasonal pattern. Rates are generally lower in winter, from around November through February, when supply is higher, and they tend to climb in summer.

Demand spikes further around Ramadan and Eid, so buying ahead of these periods, rather than during them, usually works out cheaper.

Beyond Dry Fruits: Spices, Grains and More

Dry fruit may get the most attention, but Akbari Mandi is still, at its core, a general wholesale market. Walking through its lanes, you’ll also find:

• Spices and herbs: cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, cumin, coriander, turmeric, saffron, star anise, and dozens of other spices used in South Asian cooking, along with less common ingredients used in traditional remedies.
• Grains and pulses: Basmati rice from Punjab, red chillies sourced from Sindh, and lentils imported from countries including Canada and Australia.
• Household and industrial goods: Some sections of the market, particularly around Akbari Gate, have historically dealt in chemicals and other bulk household supplies alongside food items.

Akbari Mandi’s Role in Lahore’s Commercial Landscape

Beyond its retail appeal, Akbari Mandi remains one of Lahore’s most economically significant commercial districts and a popular wholesale market in Lahore. The surrounding area is home to more than 100 commercial buildings, and the market’s daily trading volume has long been counted among the highest of any wholesale market in the province.

Its influence on pricing is significant enough that Pakistani financial market reporting tracks Akbari Mandi’s grain and commodity rates separately, alongside other major exchanges.

That commercial weight is also reflected in the local property market. Shops in and around Akbari Mandi and Akbari Gate regularly appear on Pakistan’s major real estate portals, both for sale and for rent, making the area an active, if niche, segment of Lahore’s commercial real estate market.

Restoration and Heritage Revival

Akbari Mandi’s age brings real challenges: narrow lanes never designed for modern traffic, limited parking, ageing infrastructure, and drainage systems strained by decades of continuous use. Trader associations and the market’s own vendors have publicly acknowledged these issues for years.

In response, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), working with the Aga Khan Cultural Service – Pakistan (AKCS-P), has included Akbari Mandi in a broader heritage conservation effort that also covers sites such as Lahore Fort and Wazir Khan Mosque.

The plan announced a pilot project to restore and modernise a section of the spice market near the Shahi Hammam and Delhi Gate, with the stated goal of upgrading infrastructure while preserving the market’s historic character.

In a progress review between WCLA and AKCS-P in April 2026, work on Akbari Mandi and related Walled City sites was continuing, with local trader groups pressing to extend the restoration beyond the pilot section to the wider market.

FAQs – Akbari Mandi

Where is Akbari Mandi located?

Akbari Mandi is located inside the Walled City of Lahore, between Delhi Gate and Akbari Gate, along Circular Road. Both gates can be used as entry points and as landmarks for directions.

What is Akbari Mandi Lahore famous for?

Akbari Mandi Lahore is best known as one of Asia’s largest and oldest wholesale markets for spices and dry fruit. It also trades in grains, pulses, herbs, and other bulk household goods, and has done so for close to 500 years.

What are Akbari Mandi’s opening timings?

Most shops open between 10 AM and 11 AM and stay open into the evening, though exact hours vary by shop. 

Can individuals buy from Akbari Mandi, or is it wholesale only?

Individuals are welcome, even though the market’s core business is wholesale. Many Lahore households shop here directly to take advantage of lower rates than they’d find at neighbourhood retail stores.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a bulk purchase, researching the Walled City’s commercial history, or simply want to see one of Lahore’s oldest working markets for yourself, Akbari Mandi remains a genuinely worthwhile stop, provided you go prepared for narrow lanes, no parking, and a bit of friendly bargaining.

For more information on the top 10 wholesale markets in Lahore, please visit Chakor.

Read More:

• • Tollinton Market Lahore
  • Anarkali Market Lahore
  • Kareem Block Market Lahore

Saleha Ali

BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.

Main Boulevard Gulberg is the commercial heartbeat of Lahore, a tree-lined corridor running between Jail Road and Ferozepur Road that has grown into the city’s busiest business address. Once a quiet residential avenue lined with spacious bungalows, Main Boulevard, Gulberg Lahore, now carries the city’s tallest commercial towers, its biggest banks, its busiest retail centers and a dining scene that draws visitors from across Punjab. For decades, it has stood at the centre of Lahore’s growth story, and today it remains one of the most sought-after addresses for business, retail and residential investment in the city.

How Main Boulevard Gulberg Came to Be

The word “boulevard” traces back to the German word Bollwerk, meaning a walk along the ramparts of a fortified town. The concept travelled through French and into English use, arriving in Lahore when Mall Road was first laid out in 1851.

A century later, the same idea shaped Main Boulevard Gulberg, conceived as the defining spine of the newly planned Gulberg housing scheme.

Gulberg itself was designed between 1950 and 1954 by S.A. Rahim, then Chairman of the Lahore Improvement Trust, drawing on the principles of the Garden City Movement.

Spread across more than 2,300 acres and developed in five phases, the scheme was meant to be a spacious, low-density suburb for Lahore’s affluent residents, built around detached bungalows, parks, schools and shopping facilities. 

Main Boulevard Gulberg ran straight through the middle of it, 200 feet wide, lined with twin carriageways, service roads, ornamental trees and fountains at either end. The boulevard reached its present length only after the completion of Gulberg III, eventually linking Jail Road and Ferozepur Road, the two arteries that still define its boundaries today.

The Society Behind the Boulevard

Main Boulevard Gulberg sits inside one of Lahore’s most established residential societies. Gulberg itself is divided into four subareas, each made up of multiple numbered and lettered blocks, and the entire society was planned with carpeted roads, dependable water, gas and electricity supply and organised waste management from the outset.

That level of planning is part of why Main Boulevard Gulberg was able to commercialise so quickly once demand picked up; the infrastructure underneath it was already built to support a busy, high-traffic corridor.

From Quiet Residential Avenue to Business Capital

For its first three decades, Main Boulevard Gulberg Lahore was lined with spacious residential plots, home to some of the city’s most elegant private houses.

That began to change through the 1980s, as Lahore’s economic boom, fuelled first by Gulf remittances and later by capital returning from abroad, pushed property owners to convert their homes into commercial plazas.

The trend that began on Mall Road in the 1970s found its true home on Main Boulevard Gulberg, a corridor perfectly positioned between two of the city’s busiest roads.

The arrival of international chains accelerated the shift. The opening of Lahore’s first McDonald’s on the boulevard in 1998 became something of a citywide event, and a major redevelopment drive the following year gave Main Boulevard Gulberg a new identity altogether.

By the mid 2000s, area surveys found that the majority of Gulberg had already turned commercial, with banks, plazas and offices steadily replacing the bungalows that once defined the street.

Why Main Boulevard Gulberg Is Lahore’s Most Happening Address

A Skyline That Kept Climbing

The transformation is visible in the buildings themselves. Through the 1980s, plazas on Main Boulevard, Gulberg rarely rose above 60 feet, with early landmarks like Auriga Center, Hafeez Center and Center Point setting the pace.

By the turn of the century, Pace Center and Siddique Trade Center had pushed that ceiling to roughly 130 feet, followed soon after by City Tower, Eden Tower, Mega Tower and Big City Tower, each competing for the boulevard’s most visible corners.

From 2005 onward, construction pushed past 200 feet with developments like Boulevard Heights, a clear sign of how much investor confidence the address has continued to command ever since.

Key Landmarks and Intersections on Main Boulevard Gulberg

Markets, Malls and Retail

Gulberg’s retail identity was built well before shopping malls became common in Lahore. Hafeez Center, opened in 1991, remains Pakistan’s largest computer and electronics market and continues to draw shoppers from across the country.

A short distance away, Pace Mall and Mall 1 bring together retail, dining and entertainment under one roof, while Imtiaz Mega Department Store and the well-known bookstore Readings sit just off the main carriageway.

Siddique Trade Center and Auriga Center round out a retail landscape that has only grown denser with each passing decade, and the boulevard’s direct access to both Liberty Market and Main Market means shoppers rarely need to travel far for anything they are looking for.

Dining and Lifestyle

Beyond shopping, Main Boulevard Gulberg Lahore is the gateway to the city’s best-known dining strip. A short turn off the boulevard leads straight onto MM Alam Road, lined with some of Lahore’s most popular restaurants, cafés and fashion outlets.

International hospitality brands have a presence here too, with a well-known Avari property sitting right along the route, making the boulevard as much a destination for an evening out as it is a place to do business.

Parks and Green Spaces Around Main Boulevard Gulberg

For a corridor known mainly for its towers and traffic, the blocks surrounding Main Boulevard Gulberg still hold on to a fair share of greenery. National Bank Park sits right along the boulevard itself near Liberty Roundabout, while J Block Park, C2 Park, D Ground Park, Saint Mary’s Park, Jam-e-Shirin Park, Ahson Tariq Park and Benazir Park are spread across the surrounding Gulberg blocks.

The historic Lahore Gymkhana, one of the city’s oldest social and sports clubs, is also part of this neighbourhood, giving residents and office-goers a quieter alternative to the boulevard’s pace whenever they need it.

Property Values Around Main Boulevard Gulberg

The commercial pull of Main Boulevard Gulberg has pushed real estate values across the surrounding Gulberg society to some of the highest in Lahore. Office and retail space along the boulevard commands a premium, and residential plots in the nearby blocks have appreciated steadily over the past several years.

The figures below offer a general sense of where the market stands, though prices in a corridor this active can move quickly and are best confirmed against current listings.

Office Rent Ranges in Gulberg

Building Rent Ranges in Gulberg

House Rent Ranges in Gulberg

House Prices in Gulberg

Commercial Plot Prices in Gulberg

Flat and Shop Prices in Gulberg

Flats in Gulberg are available across studio, one, two and three bedroom configurations, with price driven mainly by size, floor and finish. On the rental side, the area does not publish a fixed price range for flats or shops the way it does for houses, offices and buildings, but with over 300 shops and 200 offices typically available for rent at any given time, tenants have no shortage of options to choose from along and around the boulevard.

Main Boulevard Gulberg Today

Few addresses in Lahore have transformed as dramatically as Main Boulevard Gulberg. What began as a quiet residential avenue in the 1950s is today one of the most valuable commercial corridors in Punjab, anchored by corporate towers, premier retail and a location that puts the rest of the city within easy reach.

Demand along the boulevard continues to outpace supply, as Lahore’s leading developers compete for what remains one of the city’s most recognisable addresses.

It is this legacy that Citadel Prime is built to extend. Positioned directly on Main Boulevard Gulberg in the heart of Lahore’s CBD, Citadel Prime is Chakor’s next landmark development, a mixed-use corporate and apartment building bringing together premium offices, distinguished residences and curated retail within a single address. 

The project spans more than 50 floors across 60,000 square feet, with three dedicated levels of retail and dining, smart parking for over 750 vehicles and the backing of a government-supported business hub, all built around the same wide, processional roads that have defined the boulevard for decades. 

For investors who have watched Main Boulevard Gulberg grow from a residential street into Lahore’s commercial centre, Citadel Prime represents the next chapter of that growth.

For more informative blogs on Lahore’s most promising commercial real estate, visit Chakor.

Saleha Ali

BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.

If you have ever been told to become a filer before buying property, registering a vehicle, or applying for a bank loan, you have been told to get on the Active Taxpayers List. Most people have heard of it. Very few understand exactly what it is, how it works, or why it has such a significant impact on how much tax they pay on every major financial transaction in Pakistan.

At Chakor Ventures, we deal with property buyers and sellers every day who are paying significantly more than they need to simply because their name is not on this list. On a single property purchase worth Rs. 1 crore, the tax difference between someone on the ATL and someone who is not can exceed Rs. 10 lakh. That is not a minor technicality. That is a financial decision that costs or saves real money.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the Active Taxpayers List Pakistan, why it matters, what it takes to get on it, and how to verify your status before your next transaction.

What Is the Active Taxpayers List (ATL) in Pakistan?

The Active Taxpayers List is an official database maintained by the Federal Board of Revenue under Section 181A of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001. It contains the names and National Tax Numbers of all individuals, companies, and Associations of Persons who have filed their income tax returns on time for the previous tax year.

In practical terms, if your name is on the ATL Pakistan, you are officially recognized as a compliant tax filer. This recognition determines the rate at which withholding tax is deducted from your income, property purchases, property sales, vehicle registrations, banking transactions, and investment returns. The ATL is not a voluntary distinction. It is the mechanism through which FBR separates compliant taxpayers from non-compliant ones and applies different financial treatment to each group.

FBR updates the ATL on a weekly basis every Sunday and publishes the comprehensive annual list on March 1 each year, capturing all taxpayers who filed their returns by December 31 of the preceding year.

Who Maintains the ATL and What Is Its Legal Basis?

The ATL is maintained exclusively by the Federal Board of Revenue. Its legal basis is Section 181A of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, which grants FBR the authority to maintain and publish the list of active taxpayers and to apply differential tax treatment based on ATL status.

Key facts about how the ATL operates:

The list is updated every Sunday with new filers added after their returns are verified. The comprehensive annual publication happens on March 1 each year. Taxpayers can verify their ATL status at any time through the FBR website, the IRIS portal, or via SMS. ATL status is tied to the previous tax year’s return, meaning the ATL published in a given year reflects returns filed for the year before.

Why Does ATL Status Matter So Much for Property Owners?

For property owners and investors in Pakistan, ATL status is arguably the single most important tax variable affecting their financial outcomes. Here is why.

Every property transaction in Pakistan involves advance tax deducted at the point of transfer by the registering authority. The rate of that advance tax is determined entirely by whether the buyer and seller are on the Active Taxpayers List. The difference between ATL and non-ATL rates is not marginal. It is dramatic.

On the buying side, under Section 236K, an ATL filer buying a property worth up to Rs. 50 million pays 1.5% advance tax. A non-ATL buyer pays 12% on the same transaction. On a Rs. 50 million purchase, that is a difference of Rs. 52.5 lakh in advance tax alone.

On the selling side, under Section 236C, an ATL filer selling a property worth up to Rs. 50 million pays 4.5% advance tax. A non-ATL seller pays 11.5%.

Additionally, the advance taxes paid by ATL filers are adjustable against their annual tax liability and refundable if overpaid. For non-ATL individuals, every rupee of advance tax is a final, non-recoverable cost.

This is why Chakor Ventures consistently advises every property buyer and seller to confirm their ATL status before entering any transaction.

Benefits of Being on the Active Taxpayers List Pakistan

Being on the ATL delivers financial benefits that extend well beyond property transactions. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what ATL status means for your finances across all major categories.

Lower Advance Tax on Property Purchases

ATL filers pay the lowest available advance tax rates under Section 236K when purchasing property. These rates range from 1.5% to 2.5% depending on property value, compared to 12% to 18.5% for non-ATL buyers. On any significant property purchase, this difference represents a saving of lakhs to crores of rupees.

Lower Advance Tax on Property Sales

ATL filers pay reduced advance tax under Section 236C when selling property, ranging from 4.5% to 5.5% depending on property value. Non-ATL sellers pay 11.5% across all value slabs. The advance tax paid by ATL filers is adjustable and refundable. For non-ATL sellers it is final.

Reduced Capital Gains Tax

ATL filers pay a flat 15% Capital Gains Tax on property sold at a profit for properties acquired after July 1, 2024. Non-ATL individuals pay CGT on a sliding scale that can reach 45% of their profit depending on their income bracket.

Lower Withholding Tax on Banking Transactions

ATL filers pay 0.3% withholding tax on cash withdrawals exceeding Rs. 50,000 in a single day. Non-ATL individuals pay 0.6% on the same transaction, which is double the filer rate. For business owners and individuals making frequent high-value banking transactions, this difference compounds into meaningful annual savings.

Reduced Tax on Vehicle Registration

ATL filers enjoy significantly lower advance tax rates when registering vehicles. Non-ATL individuals pay two to three times the filer rate depending on vehicle engine size and value. For a 1000cc vehicle, an ATL filer pays Rs. 10,000 while a non-ATL individual pays Rs. 30,000. For higher-end vehicles the difference is even more pronounced.

Lower Withholding Tax on Dividends and Investment Returns

ATL filers pay lower withholding tax on dividends from stocks and returns from mutual funds compared to non-ATL investors. Filers pay 15% on dividend income while non-filers pay 30% on the same income. This directly increases the net return on investment for ATL filers and makes formal investment significantly more rewarding.

Advance Tax Is Adjustable and Refundable

All advance taxes paid by ATL filers on property, banking, and investment transactions throughout the year are adjustable against their final annual tax liability when they file their return. If cumulative advance payments exceed the actual tax due, FBR refunds the difference. This benefit is exclusively available to ATL filers. Non-ATL individuals have no mechanism to recover any advance tax they pay regardless of the amount.

Eligibility for Tax Refunds

ATL filers who overpay tax through advance deductions during the year can file for a refund through the FBR IRIS portal after submitting their annual return. This is a direct financial recovery mechanism that non-ATL individuals cannot access.

Easier Access to Bank Loans and Credit Facilities

Financial institutions in Pakistan give strong preference to ATL filers when processing loan applications, credit card requests, and financing arrangements. ATL filers have a documented and verified financial history that banks treat as a credibility indicator and a sign of low financial risk. Non-ATL individuals may face rejection or significantly less favorable terms on the same applications.

Access to Government Contracts and Business Tenders

Government and semi-government contracts in Pakistan require bidding parties to be verified ATL filers. Businesses not on the ATL are disqualified from public procurement processes, which represents a major barrier for SMEs, contractors, and service providers seeking government work.

Protection from FBR Notices and Audits

Consistent ATL inclusion protects taxpayers from FBR audit notices and penalty demands. Non-ATL individuals are increasingly being targeted through FBR’s digital monitoring infrastructure which integrates bank transaction data, property registration records, and utility information to identify undeclared income and issue automatic notices.

Reduced Airport Departure Tax

ATL filers pay lower departure taxes when travelling internationally. Non-ATL individuals pay double the filer rate on international travel and face the possibility of additional travel restrictions as FBR expands its enforcement measures.

Enhanced Financial Credibility and Reputation

ATL status serves as verifiable proof of tax compliance, which is increasingly required by banks, foreign investors, business partners, embassies processing visa applications, and international platforms accepting Pakistani contractors and freelancers. A consistent filing history builds a financial profile that opens doors unavailable to non-compliant individuals.

ATL Pakistan: Filer vs. Non-Filer Rate Comparison

Who Is Required to File and Get on the ATL?

According to the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, the following individuals and entities are legally required to file an annual income tax return and by extension qualify for ATL inclusion:

Any individual whose annual income exceeds PKR 600,000 is required to file. Owners of immovable property with an area of 500 square yards or more must file. Owners of motor vehicles with an engine capacity of 1000cc or above must file. Holders of commercial electricity connections with annual bills exceeding PKR 500,000 must file. Members of chambers of commerce or registered trade associations must file. Any person who has voluntarily obtained an NTN must file. All companies, AOPs, and registered partnerships must file.

Even if your income falls below the PKR 600,000 annual threshold, voluntarily filing a nil return and getting on the ATL is strongly advisable because the reduced tax rates you gain on property, banking, and vehicle transactions more than justify the minimal time investment of filing.

How to Check Your ATL Status in Pakistan

Checking whether your name appears on the Active Taxpayers List takes less than a minute through any of three methods.

Method 1: SMS Verification

Send your CNIC number to 9966 from your registered mobile number. FBR will reply with a message confirming whether you are currently listed as an active taxpayer. This is the fastest and most convenient verification method for individuals.

Method 2: FBR Website

Visit atl.fbr.gov.pk and enter your CNIC number for individuals or your NTN for businesses. Click Verify and your current ATL status will appear immediately.

Method 3: FBR IRIS Portal

Log in to the IRIS portal at iris.fbr.gov.pk using your registered NTN and password. Your taxpayer status is displayed on your dashboard. This method also allows you to review your complete filing history and compliance record.

Always verify your ATL status before entering any property transaction. Do not assume your status has carried over from previous years without checking. An expired or lapsed filing can cost you significantly more than the time it takes to verify and correct it.

How to Get on the Active Taxpayers List Pakistan: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting on the ATL Pakistan is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online through the FBR IRIS portal. Here is the complete step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Obtain Your National Tax Number

Before filing a return, you need a National Tax Number. For individual Pakistani citizens, your CNIC now serves directly as your NTN. For businesses, AOPs, and companies, a separate registration is required on the IRIS portal.

To register, visit iris.fbr.gov.pk and click on Registration for Unregistered Person. Enter your CNIC number, active mobile number, and email address. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile for verification. Once verified, your NTN registration will be activated and you can proceed to filing.

Step 2: Log In to the FBR IRIS Portal

After registration, log in to the IRIS portal using your CNIC or NTN and your chosen password. The IRIS portal is your personal tax dashboard where you manage all filings, notices, payments, and compliance activities. Ensure your profile is complete with your current address, contact details, and bank account information before proceeding.

Step 3: Gather Your Financial Documents

Before beginning your return, collect all relevant documents to ensure accurate and complete filing. These include your CNIC, salary slips or proof of business income, bank account statements showing all income credits during the year, property ownership documents if applicable, investment certificates and dividend statements, advance tax payment receipts from any property or vehicle transactions during the year, and a wealth statement if your assets or income require one under Section 116 of the Income Tax Ordinance.

Step 4: File Your Income Tax Return

Inside the IRIS portal, click on Declaration from the left menu and select Income Tax Return for the relevant tax year. Enter your income details across all sources including salary, business income, rental income, and investment returns. Declare your assets and liabilities in the wealth statement section if required. Include any advance taxes already paid during the year so they are accounted for in your final liability calculation. Review all entries carefully before submitting. Once submitted, save the acknowledgment receipt generated by IRIS as official proof of your filing.

Step 5: Pay Any Outstanding Tax or ATL Surcharge

If your calculation shows a remaining tax liability after advance taxes are accounted for, pay the outstanding amount through the PSID system available on the FBR portal or at a designated bank branch. Most salaried individuals whose employer has been deducting tax at source will have zero or minimal additional liability.

If you missed the filing deadline and are filing a late return, you must also pay the ATL surcharge to be included on the list. The surcharge amounts are Rs. 1,000 for individuals, Rs. 10,000 for AOPs, and Rs. 20,000 for companies. Paying the surcharge and submitting the late return restores your ATL inclusion.

Step 6: Verify Your ATL Inclusion

After filing, FBR processes your return and adds your name to the Active Taxpayers List. This typically takes 24 to 72 hours after your filing is verified. Since the ATL is updated every Sunday, expect your name to appear within one week of your filing being processed. Confirm your inclusion using the SMS method by sending your CNIC to 9966 or by checking the FBR website.

Common Reasons for ATL Exclusion and How to Fix Them

Understanding why taxpayers fall off the ATL helps you avoid the same mistakes.

• Missing the filing deadline is the most common reason for ATL exclusion. If you did not file your return by September 30 for the current tax year, you will not appear on the ATL published on March 1 of the following year unless you pay the surcharge and file a late return. Fix this by filing as soon as possible and paying the applicable surcharge.
• Incomplete or inaccurate information on the IRIS portal can prevent ATL inclusion even after filing. Ensure your profile details, income declarations, and wealth statement are complete and accurate before submitting.
• Outstanding taxes under audit or dispute may result in ATL exclusion even if a return has been filed. Contact FBR or a tax consultant to resolve pending matters before your exclusion affects upcoming transactions.
• Not filing a return for three consecutive years moves a taxpayer from the Non-Filer category to the Inactive Taxpayer category, which carries even stricter penalties and tax rates. If you have missed multiple years, file all outstanding returns and pay any applicable surcharges to restore compliance.

Documents Required to File and Get on the ATL

Having the right documents ready before starting your return saves time and prevents errors.

You will need your original CNIC, an active mobile number registered to your CNIC for OTP verification, a valid email address for portal registration and FBR communications, salary slips or payroll certificates if you are a salaried employee, bank statements covering the full tax year showing all income credits and significant transactions, property ownership documents including title deeds or allotment letters if applicable, investment and dividend statements if you hold stocks or mutual funds, and your business registration certificate if you are self-employed or a business owner.

What Happens After You Get on the ATL?

Once your name appears on the Active Taxpayers List, you begin immediately benefiting from reduced tax rates on all major transactions. Property registering authorities, vehicle registration offices, and banks check ATL status before processing transactions and applying tax rates. Your ATL status is automatically verified against your CNIC or NTN at the point of the transaction.

To maintain your ATL status, you must file your income tax return every year before September 30. Missing even one year’s deadline results in your removal from the list unless you pay the late surcharge and file a late return. Maintaining consistent annual filing is the only way to ensure uninterrupted access to ATL benefits.

ATL Surcharge: What It Is and When You Need to Pay It

The ATL surcharge is a fee paid by taxpayers who missed the official filing deadline but still want to be included on the Active Taxpayers List. It was introduced to allow late filers to recover their ATL status without waiting for the following year’s list.

The surcharge amounts are Rs. 1,000 for individual taxpayers, Rs. 10,000 for Associations of Persons, and Rs. 20,000 for companies.

Paying the surcharge and filing the late return restores your ATL inclusion and qualifies you again for reduced tax rates on subsequent transactions. It is always worth paying the surcharge to recover ATL status before any major property transaction because the tax saving on even a small property deal will vastly exceed the cost of the surcharge.

Why Chakor Ventures Recommends Verifying ATL Status Before Every Property Transaction

At Chakor Ventures, ATL verification is something we encourage every buyer and seller to complete before any transaction begins. The reason is straightforward. Your ATL status at the moment of transfer determines your tax rate. There is no retroactive adjustment. If you are not on the ATL when the transfer document is processed, you pay the non-filer rate regardless of your intentions or circumstances.

We have seen buyers lose lakhs unnecessarily simply because they assumed their ATL status from a previous year was still active. We have seen sellers pay millions more than necessary in advance tax on property sales because they let their filing lapse for one year.

Taking five minutes to verify your ATL status via SMS before entering a property negotiation is one of the most valuable habits any property owner or investor in Pakistan can develop.

Use our [Property Tax Calculator] to estimate the exact tax difference between ATL and non-ATL rates on your specific transaction, and read our [Complete Guide to Property Tax Rates in Pakistan] for the full 2025-26 rate breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Active Taxpayers List in Pakistan?

The Active Taxpayers List is an official FBR database containing the names and NTNs of all individuals and entities who have filed their income tax returns on time. Being on the ATL qualifies you for significantly lower tax rates on property transactions, banking, vehicle registration, and investments.

How often is the ATL Pakistan updated?

FBR updates the ATL every Sunday. The comprehensive annual ATL is published on March 1 each year based on returns filed by December 31 of the preceding year.

How do I check if I am on the ATL?

Send your CNIC number to 9966 via SMS from your registered mobile number. You can also check at atl.fbr.gov.pk or through the FBR IRIS portal. FBR will confirm your current ATL status instantly.

How long does it take to appear on the ATL after filing?

After filing your return, FBR typically processes and verifies it within 24 to 72 hours. Since the ATL updates every Sunday, your name should appear within one week of your filing being processed.

Can I get on the ATL if I missed the filing deadline?

Yes. You can file a late return and pay the applicable ATL surcharge of Rs. 1,000 for individuals, Rs. 10,000 for AOPs, or Rs. 20,000 for companies. Paying the surcharge and filing the late return restores your ATL inclusion.

Does ATL status carry over automatically from year to year?

No. You must file a new income tax return every year to maintain your ATL status. Missing the filing deadline removes your name from the list unless you pay the surcharge and file a late return.

What is the minimum income required to file a tax return in Pakistan?

The minimum annual income threshold is PKR 600,000. However, even below this threshold, voluntary filing and ATL inclusion is highly beneficial due to the reduced tax rates available on property, banking, and vehicle transactions.

What happens if I am not on the ATL when I transfer a property?

You pay the non-filer advance tax rate at the time of transfer, which can be up to 18.5% for buyers and 11.5% for sellers depending on property value. These rates are final and non-adjustable for non-ATL individuals, meaning the money cannot be recovered.

Final Word

The Active Taxpayers List is not a bureaucratic formality. For property owners and investors in Pakistan, it is the difference between paying reasonable tax on your transactions and paying two to ten times more than necessary on the same transactions.

Getting on the ATL takes a few hours of your time and costs nothing beyond any applicable filing fee or late surcharge. The financial return on that time investment begins immediately on your very first property or banking transaction after inclusion.

Before your next property deal, verify your ATL status. If you are not on the list, file your return and get on it. The saving on a single transaction will almost certainly exceed everything you spent on the process many times over.

Visit our Property Tax Calculator to see exactly how much ATL status saves you, and explore our Complete Guide to Filer vs. Non-Filer Property Tax Rates in Pakistan for a full comparison of the financial difference ATL status makes across all major transaction categories.

Anns Ahmed

chakorventures.com