KARACHI: The FPCCI has expressed serious concerns over the statements made by the Chairman of the FBR and the Federal Minister of Defense.
FPCCI Vice President Asif Sakhi stated that the Chairman of the FBR accused businesses in the Lahore Chamber of being tax evaders. The Chairman claimed that small traders pay taxes, but large businessmen do not.
Asif Sakhi questioned, “If this tax collection is happening, who is paying it?” He pointed out that the Chairman himself admitted to a tax evasion of 500 billion rupees. If this is the case, then the responsibility lies with the head of the institution.
Sakhi emphasized that such statements should not be made as they tarnish the country’s reputation. He also criticized the Chairman for labeling customs agents as blackmailers, stating that customs agents operate within the law and calling them blackmailers is inappropriate.
Furthermore, the Defense Minister made a statement that is beyond comprehension, claiming that a customs collector secures their position by paying a bribe of 400 million rupees. Sakhi clarified that a customs collector is appointed only after approval from the cabinet and the Prime Minister, and selection is based on merit.
Sakhi argued that alleging bribery in the appointment of a customs collector is essentially a charge sheet against their own government. He urged the government to consider the damage such statements cause to the country’s reputation and to retract them.