Imtiaz Ali Solangi Prioritizes Resolution of Tax Issues; KATI President Advocates for Long-Term Policy
Focus.
KARACHI: Imtiaz Ali Solangi, Chief Commissioner of Inland Revenue at the Federal Board of Revenue
(FBR), assured industrialists that the doors are always open to address their concerns and issues. In a
meeting with industrialists at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Solangi expressed his
commitment to personally resolve problems related to refunds or unnecessary notices to the
industrialists.
KATI President Johar Ali Qandhari, along with Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice
President Nighat Awan, Vice President Muslim Mohammadi, Standing Committee Chairman Tariq Malik,
Former President Masood Naqi, SM Yahya, Saleem-uz-Zaman, Ehtishamuddin, Asma Aftab, Huzoor
Bakhsh Leghari, and Ahmed Ali Mukhtar, attended the meeting.
Chief Commissioner Solangi emphasized that the Law of Holding Agent is not unique to Pakistan but is
also implemented in other countries, including China. Efforts are underway to ensure that individuals
who pay taxes on time and maintain proper records do not receive unnecessary notices.
Solangi highlighted the importance of having sufficient data for presenting evidence in legal proceedings
against tax defaulters. He stressed the significance of taxpayer awareness and the need to bridge the
gap between filers and non-filers by incorporating new taxpayers. The Chief Commissioner
acknowledged the low tax-to-GDP ratio of 10% and pledged full cooperation with KATI industrialists.
President KATI, Johar Ali Qandhari, underscored the necessity of maintaining continuity in tax policies.
He expressed concerns over the rapid changes in tax policies, which exacerbate difficulties for the
business community. Qandhari advocated for tax reforms and the need to raise awareness about the
benefits and procedures of paying taxes, especially in the context of modernizing the tax system in the
IT era.
Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya highlighted the manpower shortage in FBR and recommended
incorporating industry suggestions in policy formulation. He expressed concerns about the increasing tax
burden on taxpayers and the need to explore alternative sources for tax collection. Zubair Chhaya also
questioned the lack of action against tax defaulters despite previous announcements.
Tariq Malik, Standing Committee Chairman, emphasized the low tax-to-GDP ratio in Pakistan compared
to neighboring countries. He suggested linking tax issues with NADRA and the banking system and
advocated for efforts to increase tax revenue.
Vice President Muslim Mohammadi, Former President Masood Naqi, and Ehtishamuddin also addressed
the event.
