Karachi: Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has opposed the August 28 nationwide strike. Spokesperson PBF and Secretary General Punjab, Arif Ehsan Malik said that there should be no hesitation in paying taxes by the traders and it is indispensable for the country. Increasing tax revenue is essential for the economy.
However PBF criticised the government’s practice of serving notices to both registered and unregistered traders, demanding an advance tax of Rs 30,000 to 60,000 per month. He described this as harassment and pointed out that the majority of shopkeepers cannot afford such a high tax. “It was assured that only a nominal tax would be applied, but the FBR is demanding much more, which we strongly condemn
We are definitely concerned about the ongoing advance tax notices and the government should review it and in this regard, PBF also writing a letter to the Chairman FBR for a revision of the assesment of the advance income tax.
In this era of inflation, it has become extremely difficult for shopkeepers to continue their businesses,” he lamented. “Instead of providing relief, the government keeps imposing heavy taxes and raising electricity bills, which is unacceptable to any trader
He further said that it is difficult to run a business due to expensive electricity bills, the government should end incentives.
We also believe that the issues should come under one umbrella for resolution. IPPs have destroyed the country’s economy. The spokesperson of PBF further said that the country’s economy has been destroyed due to IPPs and money is being rapidly transferred abroad from the country. Investors in Pakistan are racing to get citizenship of other countries. Similarly the Freelancers have stopped getting work due to internet speed in Pakistan.
