Businessmen appreciated the FBR for extending the date for filing tax returns till March 31, 2019. They urged the authorities concerned to enhance the tax base through direct taxes instead of indirect taxes which directly affect the low-income group.
Secretary General (Federal) and spokesperson for Businessmen Panel (BMP), Ahmad Jawad hailed the announcement made by FBR Chairman Dr Jehanzeb Khan.
He said the chairman FBR also assured this type of understanding at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry a few months back but FBR raids were started again and yesterday an FIR was also registered against the President of LCCI for protest against FBR raids at Brandith Road. "We demanded of the FBR spokesperson to make official statement in this regard that from now, onwards no FBR raids shall be conducted and instead only notices will be served if any violation is found. Accordingly, the FBR will initiate action in the light of the laid down rules and regulations."
Jawad said the Businessmen Panel also urged the National Assembly and the government to revisit the powers of arrest given to FBR in 1992. Such powers shatter the confidence of the business community and also spread fear among potential taxpayers. Pakistan Ship's Agents Association (PSAA) Chairman Tariq Haleem hailing the FBR said that tax can not be collected through use of force. Taxpayers world over are considered as respected people.
He said that the president government taking several economic reform measures.
He also congratulated federal and provincial government for holding Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Karachi.
Engr Daroo Khan Achakzai, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig Sr. Vice President FPCCI, Vice Presidents FPCCI, S M Muneer, Zubair Tufail, former President FPCCI and Sheikh Khalid Tawab Former Sr. Vice President FPCCI also hailed the announcement of the Chairman Federal of Revenue (FBR) Dr. Jehanzeb Khan.
The business leaders also hailed the FBR decision of forming a committee comprising FPCCI and officials of the FBR to resolve the issues of businessmen. They assured that FPCCI will not support tax evaders and will look into the individual cases of tax evasion on merit.