KATI Delegation Meets FBR Chairman to Address Industrial Tax Challenges
KATI President Sheikh Umer Rehan presents a commemorative shield to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial. KATI and industry representatives, including Farrukh Qandhari, Nasir Sheikh, Naveed Ahmed, Rashid Siddiqui, Rashid Jan Muhammad, Tariq Malik, Afif Rashid, Zubair Bilal and Wajid Ali, are also present.
A delegation of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) met Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial to discuss industrial tax challenges. The meeting covered export promotion, digital invoicing, tax reforms and measures to curb smuggling.
KATI President Sheikh Umer Rehan led the delegation. Senior Vice President Syed Farrukh Ali Qandhari and Vice President Nasir Sheikh also attended. Other participants included KITE Limited Chairman Zahid Saeed and CEO Saleem-uz-Zaman.
Former KATI presidents Masood Naqi, Tariq Malik, Ehteshamuddin and Rashid Ahmed Siddiqui joined the meeting. Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association Chairman Naveed Ahmed also attended, alongside Rashid Jan Muhammad and Afif Rashid.
FBR Member Inland Revenue Operations Zubair Bilal and Member Customs Operations Wajid Ali represented the tax authority.
FBR Calls for Higher Exports
FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial urged exporters to expand their presence in international markets. He also called on businesses to use available resources more effectively to increase Pakistan’s exports.
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The FBR will soon meet major exporters to review their concerns, Langrial said. These discussions will help identify barriers to export growth and explore possible solutions.
He added that the FBR was advancing tax digitalisation. Automated systems would also help bring non-filers into the tax net.
To improve communication, Langrial proposed WhatsApp groups for the FBR and business community. These groups could help industrialists share concerns and recommendations with relevant officials promptly.
He also stressed the need to curb smuggling and illegal trade. Such efforts, he said, would protect local industries and support legitimate businesses.
The chairman assured the delegation that the FBR would examine the issues raised. He also directed Member Inland Revenue Operations Zubair Bilal to meet KATI and representatives of the ghee and edible oil industries.
KATI Seeks Practical Digital Invoicing Reforms
KATI President Sheikh Umer Rehan said tax digitalisation could improve transparency and efficiency. However, he stressed that businesses needed practical support during the implementation of digital invoicing.
He called for clear guidance and technical assistance. Effective coordination between the FBR and industry was also essential, he added.
Rehan said tax reforms should improve compliance without disrupting commercial and industrial activities. He also urged the government to broaden the tax base.
According to him, the tax burden should not fall mainly on businesses that already comply with the law. Authorities should identify untaxed sectors and enforce tax rules consistently.
Simpler procedures and greater transparency could reduce the cost of doing business. These changes could also encourage investment and support industrial growth.
Industry Calls for Simpler Regulations
Rehan highlighted tax and duty issues affecting businesses in the Korangi Industrial Area. He paid particular attention to the ghee and edible oil sector.
The KATI president called for a review of unnecessary statutory regulatory orders (SROs). He also urged authorities to simplify complex requirements that increase production costs.
Practical regulations could help local manufacturers compete more effectively. Rehan said stronger competitiveness would also improve the position of Pakistani products in domestic and international markets.
Participants raised additional concerns about the textile and pharmaceutical sectors. They also discussed challenges facing packaging, plastics and other industries.
Direct Consultation to Support Industrial Growth
Rehan said regular consultations between industrialists and the FBR could resolve policy implementation problems. Timely action on business concerns would also strengthen trust between industry and government institutions.
He emphasised the need for predictable regulations and efficient tax procedures. Such measures could support investment, production, trade and exports.
The meeting concluded with the FBR chairman assuring participants that relevant officials would examine their concerns and consider appropriate measures.
