PM directs FBR, FIA to stop harassment in amnesty scheme cases

PM directs FBR, FIA to stop harassment in amnesty scheme cases

Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken a decisive step to ensure that businessmen who availed the income tax amnesty scheme and fulfilled all codal formalities are not subjected to harassment.

The Prime Minister’s directive was communicated to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), instructing them to cease any unnecessary scrutiny or intimidation of individuals who participated in the amnesty scheme.

In an official communication disseminated by the FBR to all Chief Commissioners of Inland Revenue, the specific instructions from the office of the Prime Minister were outlined. The message emphasized that businessmen who had taken advantage of the income tax amnesty scheme and completed all required procedural formalities should not face any undue pressure from the FBR or FIA.

The amnesty scheme, introduced by the government, aimed at providing a legal pathway for individuals and businesses to declare and regularize their undisclosed assets and income by paying a nominal tax. This initiative was designed to broaden the tax base, encourage tax compliance, and bring previously undeclared assets into the formal economy.

The official statement from the FBR asserted, “Businessmen who availed income tax amnesty scheme and completed all codal formalities will not be harassed by FBR and FIA.” This clear directive from the Prime Minister reflects a commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, fostering trust between the government and the business community, and encouraging voluntary compliance with tax regulations.

The FBR, in response to the Prime Minister’s instructions, has directed its officials to implement these directives in both letter and spirit. This move is expected to ease the concerns of businessmen who participated in the amnesty scheme, ensuring that they are not subjected to unwarranted scrutiny or harassment for fulfilling their legal obligations.

The income tax amnesty scheme was a pivotal component of the government’s strategy to address tax evasion, encourage tax registration, and enhance revenue collection. By assuring participants that they will not be unduly harassed, the Prime Minister aims to strengthen the confidence of the business community in the government’s commitment to fair and transparent governance.

The initiative to stop harassment aligns with broader efforts to improve the ease of doing business in Pakistan and create an environment conducive to economic growth and investment. The message from the Prime Minister underscores the importance of fostering a collaborative relationship between the government and businesses, recognizing the vital role the private sector plays in driving economic development.

As the FBR works to implement these directives, the business community anticipates a more supportive and predictable regulatory environment, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and increased voluntary tax compliance. The Prime Minister’s move sends a positive signal about the government’s dedication to building a business-friendly ecosystem and ensuring that individuals who abide by the law are treated with fairness and respect.