Islamabad, August 25, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reached out to traders for negotiations concerning a controversial tax scheme ahead of a shutter-down strike planned for August 28, 2024. This move comes as the traders’ community in Karachi and other parts of the country announced their decision to close shops and businesses in protest against what they describe as unfair taxation and inflated utility bills.
Naeem Mir, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on the Tajir Dost Scheme, revealed on Friday that the FBR had invited representatives from various trader organizations for discussions on tax-related grievances. “On the instructions of the Chairman of the FBR, the Member Operations contacted the trader leaders of Anjuman Tajiran and Tanzeem Tajiran by phone,” Naeem Mir stated, emphasizing the government’s intent to resolve these issues amicably.
The FBR has scheduled the meeting with trader representatives for August 27, 2024, at 3:00 PM at their headquarters in Islamabad. This negotiation aims to address the traders’ concerns about the amended SRO (Statutory Regulatory Order) under the Tajir Dost Scheme, which has been a point of contention for the business community.
“There will be consultations on the amended SRO of the Tajir Dost Scheme,” Naeem Mir mentioned, highlighting the government’s openness to dialogue and its desire to work together with traders to find a mutually beneficial solution.
Expressing optimism, Naeem Mir said, “It is hoped that the trader leaders will respond positively. We are eager to resolve all issues collaboratively.” His statement underscores the government’s understanding of the critical nature of the issues at hand and its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
The backdrop to these negotiations is the planned shutter-down strike, which has created ripples of concern across the country. Traders are protesting against the inclusion of various taxes in their electricity bills, capacity payments to independent power producers (IPPs), and overall high electricity costs that they claim are crippling their businesses. The strike is also a response to the imposition of what traders describe as an “anti-trader” tax scheme, with new taxes on goods and services ranging from essential commodities to everyday business operations.
Naeem Mir, while addressing the media, stressed the need to avoid strikes and protests, which he believes the country cannot afford at this juncture. “The country cannot afford strikes and protests,” he said, urging traders to consider the broader economic implications of their actions.
He assured the traders that their legitimate demands would be addressed. “All legitimate demands of traders will be fulfilled,” Naeem Mir promised, signaling the government’s commitment to easing the burden on the business community.
As the August 28 deadline approaches, all eyes are on the upcoming negotiations to see if a compromise can be reached that averts the shutter-down and restores confidence between the government and the trader community.
