Express forum: Expand tax net, but don’t burden taxpayers say speakers

Businessmen, bureaucrats and consumers recommend that govt should expand tax net instead of squeezing taxpayers.

LAHORE:

Businessmen, bureaucrats and consumers have recommended that the government should expand the tax net instead of squeezing taxpayers.

Speaking at the Express Forum, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Sohail Lashari said if the government was keen to increase the tax, it should first ensure the supply of electricity and gas to keep the wheels of industry turning.

Regional chairman of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Azhar Saeed Butt said the powerful people had established cartels but the government – sparing the billionaires – was imposing taxes on the poor.

Pakistan Tax Bar Association ex-president Zulfiqar Khan said in Pakistan, taxes are levied like extortion and the rate of the sales tax is the highest among the countries of the region.

The head of All Pakistan Halal Meat Processors and Exporters Association Naseeb Ahmed Saifi said Pakistan was in a state of emergency and it could get on the path of progress by increasing its exports.

Chief commissioner of Large Taxpayer Unit Mustafa Ashraf said FBR had consulted stakeholders before imposing sales tax.

Consumer Rights Forum Pakistan president Hanif Goriya said it was the consumer who had to pay every tax ultimately. “The government is increasing taxes to appease the foreign lords”.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2013.