ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has assured traders that they would not be harassed under any circumstances, and that their issues would be resolved, adding that strict action would be taken against FBR officials who blackmail traders, or involved in corruption.
FBR Chairman Rashed Mahmood Langrial gave these assurances during a meeting with a delegation of traders led by Central Anjuman-e-Tajiran Pakistan President Kashif Chaudhry on Monday.
The chairman said Point of Sale (PoS) systems would not be imposed on shopkeepers who cannot afford them. He affirmed that the FBR will move forward in consultation with and with the trust of trader organisations.
He also assured that regional offices would improve liaison by holding immediate meetings with trader organisations to resolve issues at the grassroots level.
Kashif Chaudhry informed the FBR chairman about the problems faced by traders and harassment by FBR officials. He stated that the ground realities of doing business in the country were extremely difficult. The implementation of PoS on small traders is unworkable, creating many complications. This measure carries the risk of promoting a new cycle of bribery, corruption and blackmailing instead of increasing revenue collection. Furthermore, the FBR’s conduct of raids and penalties has created severe fear, anxiety and uncertainty in the markets.
The traders’ leader presented a written memorandum to the chairman detailing the problems and suggested measures for their resolution. He said that FBR staff have now extended their approach beyond brands and chain stores to launch raids on ordinary shops in markets. The convoys of large FBR vehicles and market raids present a scene as if an operation is being conducted against an enemy force.
Kashif Chaudhry stated that this conduct of the FBR is humiliation of traders and an unending series of mental torture. Notices are being issued based on favouritism under the guise of PoS implementation. Traders who do not settle matters with FBR staff are harassed, their shops are sealed, and penalties are imposed. The conduct of raids and penalties has created severe fear, anxiety and uncertainty in the markets. The implementation of the PoS system on ordinary market shops is unworkable. The nationwide practice of sealing shops, making arrests, imposing fines, threatening and spreading fear and terror should be stopped immediately.
