Traders Up in Arms
The business community in Pakistan is up in arms against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) over the issuance of hefty tax notices to small businesses and retailers. These notices, amounting to Rs60,000 each, have been met with widespread condemnation from trade bodies across the country.
Tajir Dost Scheme Under Fire
The traders have accused the FBR of going back on its promise under the Tajir Dost Scheme, which aimed to provide tax relief to small businesses. The exorbitant tax notices have sparked outrage among the business community, who claim that they are unable to bear the additional financial burden.
Call for Strike and Tax Reforms
In response to the government’s actions, traders have announced a nationwide strike on August 28. They are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the hefty tax notices and a comprehensive review of the Tajir Dost Scheme. Additionally, the business community has called for a rollback of increased electricity tariffs and other taxes.
Impact on Small Businesses
The traders have warned that these excessive tax burdens could lead to widespread business closures and job losses. They have urged the government to reconsider its policies and provide relief to the struggling business community.
