Karachi, July 18, 2023 – The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) in Pakistan is contemplating the establishment of a National Taxpayers Union (NTUP) to effectively represent the interests of taxpayers, similar to such unions in many countries worldwide.
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Zulfikar Thaver, President of UNISAME, expressed concerns regarding the potential imposition of additional taxes on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He emphasized the need for robust representation, as SMEs believe that the government disproportionately burdens visible taxpayers while neglecting the responsibility of addressing tax evasion, smuggling, benami property transactions, black market activities, and hoarding.
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UNISAME members drew attention to the privileges enjoyed by Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Members of Provincial Assemblies (MPAs), such as access to subsidized electricity, fuel, and generous allowances. Meanwhile, the burden of taxes falls disproportionately on the common man. Factors such as high inflation, heavy tax burdens, rising electricity costs, and a depreciating currency that hampers affordable imports have the potential to force SMEs to close their operations.
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The absence of adequate representation for the common man in the assemblies exacerbates the challenges faced by SMEs. The situation is further exacerbated by an uncontrolled and unmanageable mafia, widening wealth disparities, and a perception that the government is overly focused on political matters.
The proposed formation of the NTUP aims to serve as a platform to advocate for taxpayers’ rights and prevent the imposition of additional taxes. Currently, taxpayers feel unrepresented, and they believe that their tax contributions are lavishly spent on ministers, bureaucrats, and officers who enjoy privileges that exceed those provided to their counterparts in even wealthier developed countries.
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UNISAME members are witnessing the impact of this situation firsthand and anticipate the closure of their businesses if it persists. They believe they deserve representation and are seeking fairness and equity in the taxation system. The formation of a union or forum will strive to bring about necessary reforms to address these concerns.
