Wealthy non-taxpayers must be fixed up to widen tax net: FPCCI, LCCI, SAARC Chambers

March 18, 2019: Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), SAARC Chamber, Lahore Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) and United Business Group (UBG) on Monday unanimously welcomed goodwill gesture of Chairman Federal Board of Revenue for addressing the genuine grievance of the business community on priority.

They said wealthy and potential non-tax payers must be fixed up at all cost to widen tax net band chambers will fully cooperate with the government in this regard.

Senior Vice President SAARC Chamber Iftikhar Ali Malik while talking to a high level delegation of trade leaders led by Eng Daroo Khan Achakzai President FPCCI, said that ratio of taxpayers in Pakistan is even less than Afghanistan which he added is point to concern and broadening of tax net is a must for strengthening of the national economy and the survival of the country.

Iftikhar Ali Malik who is also chairman UBG, said that FPCCI in principle, agreed to lend helping hand to the government in this regard.

He said plugging of revenue leakage and broadening of tax net will ultimately benefit the existing tax payers in terms of reduction in heavy taxation.

Eng Daroo Khan said that all chambers across the country will not only resolve the issues being faced by the traders but also convince the trading community to pay their due taxes timely.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured to take stock of all genuine grievances of the business community on top priority and had directed all ministry and attached departments to expedite the redressal of the problems of the traders.

He said that its good omen for traders that FBR Chief along with his team will visit federation every month for two days for instant decisions in financial and policy matters.

"Around 1.2 million people pay taxes in Pakistan while the number of traders paying tax on electricity bills surpasses seven million, this gap can be bridged through sincere efforts backed by the government," he added.

He said that federation will fully continue to support the government and repose confidence on the sagacious and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan provided taken into confidence on all important policy framing process to make then practically viable.

 (APP)