Why does FBR extend tax filing deadlines?

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has twice extended the deadline for filing income tax returns this year from the original Sep 30 to Oct 30, ostensibly to facilitate taxpayers and improve compliance. There is little surprise in this; it has become an annual ritual. In the past, the FBR has continued granting extensions month after month throughout the year. That the first extension came just hours before the original deadline expired, despite repeated warnings from the Board that no such relief would be offered, is equally unsurprising. In a routine explanation, the FBR said the decision to extend the deadline was made in response to requests from various trade bodies, tax bar associations, and members of the general public.