KARACHI: Stationary manufacturers across the country are irked with the withdrawal of zero-rating facility on stationary raw material. Federal government in the last budget has withdrawn the sales tax exemption available on paper import and local purchase for manufacturing of copies and books.
These exemption were earlier given vide SRO 608(I)/2012. The withdrawal has not only increased the cost of doing business for the stationary manufacturers, it is also taking the books and copies from the reach of students.
It is even more interesting to note that the government has announced sales tax exemptions on copies imported from China. Anwar Iqbal of Neelum Papers said that this was an unjustified decision and was having a negative impact on the stationary industry as well as the education sector.
Anwar Iqbal has approached Advisor Haroon Akhtar Khan, Chairman Senate Standing Committee Saleem Mandviwala and Chairman Standing Committee National Assembly Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh requesting restoration of sales tax zero rating on import of papers (stationary raw material).