Journalists Walk Out of Post-Budget Briefing Over No FBR Media Session [Updated]

Update: Journalists ended their boycott of the federal government’s post-budget press conference on Tuesday after Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar intervened and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) formally apologized. The journalists returned to the session after receiving assurances of transparency and cooperation. The unveiling of the federal budget for 2025–26 took a dramatic turn when journalists boycotted the post-budget press conference of Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, walking out in protest over the government’s failure to provide a detailed media briefing on the Finance Bill 2025. The press corps staged a symbolic exit as the minister began his address, marking their strong disapproval of the lack of transparency. The Revenue Division did not hold its usual post-budget technical briefing for media persons after the FY26 budget was unveiled at both houses of parliament on Tuesday. Officials including the Secretary of Finance attempted to pacify the protesting journalists, but to no avail. The walkout was prompted by FBR’s failure to hold its customary technical briefing for the media, a longstanding tradition that allows for detailed discussions on tax policies and reforms proposed in the Finance Bill. Sources claim the FBR was explicitly barred from briefing the media this year. The decision reportedly came from higher government authorities, who instructed the tax body to avoid any technical disclosure related to the Finance Bill. This move is being interpreted by insiders as a deliberate effort to avoid immediate criticism and public scrutiny of the new tax measures. The absence of a technical briefing has raised serious concerns, especially amid reports that the Finance Bill contains extensive amendments to tax laws and introduces several hidden tax measures. Sources indicate that the bill grants the FBR sweeping new powers, further fueling speculation about the government’s intent to push through significant changes without public explanation. The decision has left many stakeholders, including tax professionals and the general public, in a state of uncertainty. With no official platform for clarification, confusion about the new tax regulations is expected to grow, complicating compliance and fueling mistrust. FBR has yet to issue any statement on whether there would be any briefing session in the coming days. The session is pivotal for clarifying key tax regime changes for the upcoming fiscal year.