The business community has demanded the intervention of the Supreme Court for fears of corruption and harassment by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The Acting President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Nasir Khan, had held a press conference and severely criticized the government for not incorporating the suggestions that had been given by the business community into the FY22 budget.
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He demanded the intervention of the Supreme Court to protect the businessmen according to Section 203A of the budget which empowers the FBR and expands its discretionary powers.
Khan claimed that this law will only result in increased corruption and harassment. He noted that even though some tax slabs have been introduced to amend Section 203A, “still we are of the view that powers to arrest and prosecute will create a fearful and discouraging environment for small businesses”.
He remarked that the FBR had not consulted the FPCCI despite Prime Minister Imran Khan having instructed them to do so. He said, “We sent recommendations to the FBR for tax system reforms and simplification of tax rates but they were ignored”.
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The FPCCI President also proposed the establishment of corporate courts to counter and balance the government’s weak policies and to protect the interests of small and medium enterprises.
