Traders cancel strike call after talks with FBR

Bureau assures ‘harsh provisions’ did not apply to small traders, no new tax on electricity bills

ISLAMABAD:

Traders on Sunday called off their strike after the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) held out assurances and “removed confusions” about the Tax Laws (Third Amendment) Ordinance 2021.

A delegation of small traders led by resident Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajiran Pakistan Kashif Chaudhry had earlier announced a strike for September 27 (Monday).

Addressing a press conference at the FBR headquarters along with the union’s president, Qaiser Iqbal, Member (Inland Revenue- Operation), said that the point of sale would not apply to small traders and there would be no new tax on electricity bills.

Qaiser clarified that FBR had no problem with those who were paying taxes, adding that such measures would be taken against those who were not paying taxes. He assured that the board would always take the traders on board to resolve their issues.

In this regard, instructions had also been issued to the regional commissioners so that all the concerns of the traders could be addressed, he said.

Giving further clarifications, Qaiser explained that the Income Tax Amendment Bill shall not be applicable to small traders, adding that these were mere speculations being spread on social media and had nothing to do with the reality.

“Small traders were being misled and the FBR would continue to resolve issues through dialogue with small traders.”

He said FBR was always striving for simplification and automation in the tax system for achieving the revenue target and also to facilitate the business community.

Kashif Chaudhry while withdrawing the protest to be held on Monday, said: "We had some misunderstandings, which have been addressed by the FBR.”

He said traders wanted to pay taxes and traders also wanted to play their best role in strengthening the national economy.

Kashif said the tax system should be made simple and transparent and tax collection should be done in accordance with the law keeping in view the dignity of traders.