KPRA raids two major Peshawar restaurants

Revenue authority targets non-compliant taxpayers

PESHAWAR:

To bolster tax compliance and curb evasion, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) has launched a rigorous crackdown on non-compliant taxpayers in Peshawar.

Led by Assistant Collectors Khalid Mansoor, Roohullah Khan, Shahnawaz Khan, along with inspectors, a KPRA team conducted targeted raids on two prominent restaurants situated along University Road, seizing their financial records.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, an official highlighted the KPRA’s proactive stance, citing the recent raids on Habibi Restaurant and Dampukh Khorak as part of their enforcement drive against tax non-compliance. Despite receiving multiple notices from the KPRA requesting compliance, these establishments failed to respond, prompting the confiscation of their records in line with KPRA regulations.

Expressing concern over the persisting non-compliance among restaurants and hotels in Peshawar, KPRA Director General Fouzia Iqbal emphasized the necessity of the ongoing enforcement actions to rectify the situation.

She warned that failure to adhere to tax obligations could result in severe penalties, including record confiscation, bank account attachment, and business closure.

Furthermore, she urged all registered taxpayers who are in arrears or engaging in improper tax practices to promptly settle their liabilities to avoid further enforcement measures.

The KPRA’s stringent measures reflect its commitment to fostering tax transparency and accountability, thereby ensuring a level playing field for all businesses operating in Peshawar.

Through these targeted enforcement efforts, the KPRA aims to instill a culture of tax compliance and deterrence of evasion, ultimately contributing to the overall economic stability and development of the region.

Published in The Express Tribune May 3^rd, 2024.