Karachi (06th May 2025) — President of the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI), Faisal Moiz Khan, has rejected the recently enacted Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, stating it was issued without stakeholder consultation and parliamentary debate. He warned that the ordinance could lead to the destruction of the economy.
Faisal Moiz Khan expressed deep concern over the ordinance, stating that it undermines the sanctity of court decisions, violates the constitutional right of taxpayers to a fair hearing, and promotes a coercive tax system.
He criticized the government for granting the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) powers under the ordinance that allow it to freeze bank accounts, seize properties, and seal factories of any business entity without prior notice or warning—even after a ruling from a superior court. He termed this law as a blatant insult to the constitution, judiciary, and business freedom.
He further stated that the ordinance was issued without any consultation with the leadership of Pakistan’s largest business representative body, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), or with other stakeholders. No debate was held in Parliament on this significant ordinance, which has not only damaged the business community’s trust but also affected the rule of law.
Faisal expressed particular concern over Sections 138(3A) and 140(6A) of the Income Tax Ordinance, stating that these sections render court relief ineffective by making disputed tax liabilities immediately recoverable, thereby infringing on taxpayers’ right to due process.
The NKATI President demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ordinance and urged the government to conduct discussions involving elected representatives and industry stakeholders.
