Karachi, July 15, 2025 – In a critical move to address mounting tensions over the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) newly introduced tax regulations, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has stepped forward to initiate dialogue with the country’s business leadership.
With a nationwide shutter-down strike planned by traders for July 19, Aurangzeb has invited representatives from all major chambers of commerce and trade associations to a crucial meeting today (Tuesday) in Islamabad.
Aurangzeb, while addressing media representatives after his meeting with the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) in Karachi, expressed the government’s willingness to engage in constructive discussions. “We are here to listen. Tomorrow’s meeting is an opportunity to resolve issues through dialogue,” Aurangzeb stated, emphasizing the importance of direct communication between the government and the business sector.
He urged chambers and trade bodies to thoroughly review the newly implemented tax provisions ahead of the meeting. Clarifying the FBR’s amended powers, Aurangzeb explained that any arrest related to discrepancies exceeding Rs 50 million would now require clearance either from a tax commissioner or a specially constituted three-member FBR board. “This ensures a system of checks and balances in the enforcement process,” he noted, adding that the primary aim of the ordinance is to curb sales tax fraud without disrupting honest businesses.
On the rising sugar prices, Aurangzeb responded to repeated media queries by highlighting that price regulation falls within the purview of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). “The government continues to monitor essential commodity prices on a monthly basis. Fluctuations are not unusual,” he remarked.
Speaking further on the matter, Aurangzeb clarified that the recent decision to import sugar was taken by the federal cabinet and that the Ministry of National Food Security has already addressed the issue publicly. He suggested that deregulation, as seen with rice and maize, might also help stabilize the sugar market.
Concluding his remarks, Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s efforts to extend relief to the salaried class under the current fiscal constraints. He stressed the need for unity and dialogue to overcome economic challenges, especially in the lead-up to the planned July 19 strike.