An overview of federal resources

The federal budget for the financial year 2026-27, which was presented in the National Assembly on June 21, has since been discussed, debated and passed. Budgetary measures have entered the process of implementation with the commencement of the new financial year from July 1, 2026. The Finance Bill 2026, which was also presented in the National Assembly, has been signed by the President, and a host of tax measures amounting to Rs1.02 trillion have also gone into effect from the first day of the new fiscal year.
The Finance Act 2026, running into 110 pages, targets overall tax collection of Rs15.264 trillion during the financial year 2026-27 as a major source of revenue generation and income for the federal government.
Quite obviously, revenue generation is essential to meet recurring as well as development expenditure. At the federal level, resources are generated through a well-coordinated and concerted effort by revenue collecting agencies and administrative units. All revenues collected by the collecting agencies and administrative divisions of the federal government, all loans raised, and all moneys received as repayments of loans form part of the Federal Consolidated Fund. Federal revenue receipts can easily be categorised as tax revenue and non-tax revenue.
Setting aside the long and somewhat tedious list of facts and figures, this piece pertains to the federal government’s income from property and enterprises. The information presented here may be new and useful for many readers. There are many aspects of the federal budget that are generally not reported by the media, and these are intended to be discussed here one after the other to enable the general public, and particularly businesses, exporters and importers, to learn details that may be of interest and concern to them.
Profits earned by a number of regulatory authorities, namely PTA, NEPRA, SECP, PNRA, PEMRA, OGRA, DRAP and AOB, through the levy of fees, charges and penalties, after settling their authorised expenses, are deposited in the Federal Consolidated Fund.
A brief introduction to these regulatory authorities is provided below for the benefit of all those who wish to understand how they operate and generate revenue, both directly and indirectly, for the federal government.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is mandated to regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of telecommunication systems and the provision of telecommunication services in Pakistan. It disposes of applications for the use of radio frequency spectrum, promotes and protects the interests of telecommunication services users, promotes the availability of a wide range of high quality, efficient, cost effective and competitive telecommunication services throughout the country, and facilitates the rapid modernisation of telecommunication systems. It also investigates and adjudicates claims made against licensees arising out of alleged contraventions of the relevant Act, and imposes fines and penalties for violations.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is mandated to develop and pursue a regulatory framework that ensures the provision of safe, reliable, efficient and affordable electric power to electricity consumers in Pakistan. It facilitates the transition from a protected monopoly service structure to a competitive environment while maintaining a balance between the interests of consumers and service providers, in line with the broad economic and social policy objectives of the federal government. To ensure effective regulatory functions, NEPRA charges various fees for application and modification of generation, transmission and distribution licences, approval of competitive bidding, and other matters related to tariff standards and procedures.
The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) is entrusted with the responsibility to control, regulate and supervise all matters related to nuclear safety and radiation protection in Pakistan. It charges licensing fees, as approved from time to time, from nuclear facilities, radiotherapy centres and nuclear cardiology centres.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) is required to improve the standards of information, education and entertainment, facilitate the devolution of responsibility and power to the grassroots by improving public access to mass media at the local and community level, and ensure accountability, transparency and good governance through the optimisation of the free flow of information. PEMRA charges licensing fees at prescribed rates for FM radio, satellite television, MMDS, IPTV, cable TV, DTH, landing rights, temporary uplinking and mobile television.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) was established under the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance of March 2002. Its mandate is to foster competition, increase private investment and ownership in the midstream and downstream petroleum industry, and protect the public while respecting individual rights through effective and efficient regulation. OGRA issues licences to oil marketing companies, gas distribution networks and fertiliser manufacturing plants, and charges fees for these services. It also carries out inspections of oil and gas distribution networks and imposes penalties for violations.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) was established under the DRAP Act 2012. Its mandate is to provide effective coordination and enforcement of the Drug Act 1976 and to bring harmony to inter-provincial trade and commerce in therapeutic goods. The regulatory functions of DRAP include registration and marketing authorisation, inspection, laboratory testing and clinical trials, and fees are charged against these services.
The Audit Oversight Board (AOB) is an organisation formed under Part IXC of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act 1997. It was established to provide oversight and ensure audit quality of public interest companies. The AOB imposes penalties on audit firms that fail to comply with the requirements of the SECP Act 1997.
The above information, drawn from the budget documents, is intended not only to provide basic knowledge to all concerned sectors and circles but also to give them an opportunity to assess whether these regulatory bodies are functioning in accordance with their mandated roles and duties.