KARACHI, May 5, 2025 – The Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA) has strongly opposed the recently promulgated Income Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, calling it a draconian measure that threatens to cripple business confidence and economic stability.
In a strongly worded appeal, the PCDMA demanded that the Ordinance be withdrawn immediately, citing its unilateral implementation without consultation or parliamentary scrutiny.
In a joint statement, PCDMA Chairman Salim Valimuhammad and Danish Saleem, Advisor to the Subcommittee for Sales Tax and Income Tax, expressed alarm over the manner in which the Ordinance was enforced. “The government bypassed essential democratic processes, sidelining parliamentary debate and ignoring stakeholder feedback. This has dealt a severe blow to the already fragile trust between the state and the business community,” Valimuhammad said.
The PCDMA leadership raised serious objections to controversial provisions such as Sections 138(3A) and 140(6A) of the Income Tax Ordinance. These clauses, they argued, effectively nullify judicial relief by allowing the immediate recovery of disputed tax liabilities, even in cases where the courts have granted stay orders. “This move undermines the rule of law and the constitutional right to a fair trial,” Danish Saleem added.
Of particular concern to PCDMA is the provision in the Ordinance that permits Inland Revenue officers to be posted at business premises. The association warned that such actions will lead to rampant harassment, compromise commercial privacy, and further alienate the taxpayer community.
Reiterating their stance, PCDMA appealed directly to President Asif Ali Zardari and the Ministry of Law & Justice to reconsider the Ordinance and immediately roll it back. The association urged the government to avoid anti-business policies that discourage investment and economic activity.
“Only a business-friendly policy framework can enhance revenue collection,” Valimuhammad stressed. “If such regressive ordinances continue, businesses will shut down, unemployment will rise, and the government itself will face severe revenue shortfalls.”
The PCDMA vowed to continue advocating for fair taxation through legal and democratic channels and called for constructive dialogue with stakeholders before introducing any future ordinance.