FBR: ‘Government in state of fiscal emergency’

Revenue chief seeks working partnership with businesses, promises expedited refunds.

KARACHI: The government is in a state of fiscal emergency which can only be overcome with a working partnership with the business community, said Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Salman Siddique.

Speaking to members of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday, he said that the FBR would extend maximum cooperation to the business community in order to resolve their longstanding disputes regarding payment and collection of taxes.

Referring to complaints about delay in clearance of export refund claims, he said that KCCI office-bearers should form a committee which could help the FBR in resolving the issue.

“I assure you that all the refund claims will be processed expeditiously and no malpractice will be tolerated,” he added.

Siddique asserted that the board’s Revenue Advisory Council will be asked to maintain a working relationship with the KCCI, while assuring the business community that functions of the Federal Board of Revenue will be restructured through consultation with KCCI members.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th,  2011.