All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran President Ajmal Baloch along with other office bearers welcomed the government’s latest fixed tax scheme for small retailers.
Baloch said the government has introduced an exemplery system that is far easier than previous procedures. He said traders have long demanded an easier tax filing process, saying earlier forms were so complicated that even educated individuals struggled to complete them.
He acknowledged that for the first time, the government’s economic team has designed a scheme outside the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) framework and also includes multiple languages to facilitate traders.
Under the scheme, traders will pay a 1% tax on turnover. He said traders are willing to pay taxes if the system remains simple and transparent.
He further stated that earlier, traders were frequently harassed in the name of Point of Sale (POS) inspections. Under the new scheme, businesses that submit returns will have a visible board placed at their shops, and FBR representatives will not conduct visits or inspections.
He added that paying a minimum of Rs25,000 annually would exempt traders from tax audits. However, he expressed concern that the scheme could be undermined or altered by the bureaucracy.
According to him, adjustments will be made for advance withholding tax already paid through electricity bills, ensuring it is accounted for in the final tax liability.
Ajmal Baloch warned that if any changes are made to the scheme, traders may return to protest on the streets. He demanded that the government ensure the law remains unchanged and not be altered by officials.
He also alleged irregularities in customs warehouse operations, claiming large-scale losses and theft incidents involving cotton consignments.
He urged the Prime Minister to distance the system from excessive FBR control and reduce bureaucratic interference, adding that business activity must be protected to ensure tax compliance.