The FBR has allowed authorised representatives of the applicants of Gilgit-Baltistan area to obtain new sales tax registration certificates on their behalf. The mandatory personal appearance of the applicants for receiving certificates has been abolished by the board.
FBR order said that the Northern Areas Gemstone & Mineral Association had made a representation to the Board stating that they have to approach the Regional Tax Office (RTO), Islamabad, from far-flung areas of Gilgit-Baltistan to obtain sales tax registration and then they again have to visit the RTO, in person, to receive the registration certificate.
The matter was examined in the board and as the Board's letter of October 26, 2007 requires mandatory personal appearance by the registrant before the Additional Commissioner concerned, in order to mitigate the hardship faced by importers (registrants), the Board has directed that until delivery of sales tax registration certificates was made possible through an office in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Chief Commissioner RTO, Islamabad may, in addition to the mode of delivery prescribed vide FBR's letter referred to above, deliver certificates to any of the following persons on behalf of a registered person from Gilgit-Baltistan, subject to proper identification:
A member of Northern Areas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gilgit; an office-bearer/member of Executive Committee of Northern Areas Gemstones & Mineral Association, Gilgit; a blood/legal relative like father, brother, son, daughter or spouse; or a duly authorised representative who is also a member of a High Court Bar or a District Bar Council. The FBR has issued the order in exercise of powers conferred under section 55 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990.