Provincial Minister for Finance Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha has said that Punjab government is not in favour of double taxation on traders’ community, however taxes are necessary for provision of basic amenities such as health and education facilities and supply of potable water to the masses. She said that FBR will have to give relaxation to give relaxation in taxes under all such heads which come under the purview of provinces after 18th amendment for dissolving this issue. She said that negotiations are continuing with the federal government in this regard.
She was addressing a pre-budget seminar arranged by Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She said that protection of interests of traders is a responsibility of the government for increasing exports and it will support business community at every forum. She said that promotion of industries is essential for overcoming unemployment and extremism. Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha informed members of the chamber that Punjab government is taking solid measures with the assistance of federal government for resolving the problems of agri sector and necessary reforms will be introduced in the upcoming budget. Commenting on the protest against infrastructure cess imposed by the provincial government, she said that this tax is a right of Punjab government, however, federal government will be requested that Sindh government should not recover tax from suppliers of Punjab under this head. On the instructions of the Finance Minister, a committee was announced comprising representatives of Punjab Revenue Authority and FPCCI for withdrawal of double taxation at dry ports so that this issue could be resolved and traders’ community could call off strike.
Chairman Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce while speaking on the occasion appreciated the trader friendly policies of Punjab government and also presented his proposals regarding next budget. Majority of the members stressed the need for improvement in health, education and vocational training sectors. They also demanded setting up of SMEs facilitation centers and industrial zones. Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha informed that Punjab government is computerizing the system of property registration, construction permit and tax receipts and complaints of business community will be soon resolved in this regard.
Chairman Punjab Revenue Authority, Raheel Ahmed Siddiqui informed members of the chamber that request has been made to federal government to withdraw tax on transshipment of goods by FBR. He said that Punjab government will not impose tax on exports. He said that in the next budget, instead of increase in the rate of tax, stress will be laid on expansion of tax net.