KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, while expressing grave concern over the recently promulgated Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, stated that this Ordinance, issued without due consultation with stakeholders and in the absence of parliamentary debate, poses severe implications for the business community and rule of law.
In a statement issued, Jawed Bilwani strongly objected to the introduction of Sections 138(3A) and 140(6A) of the Income Tax Ordinance, which override judgments of superior courts and make disputed tax liabilities immediately recoverable, even when relief has been granted by judicial forums. This directly undermines the sanctity of court decisions, erodes taxpayers’ constitutional right to due process, and promotes a coercive tax regime.
Furthermore, he said, the insertion of Section 175C, allowing inland revenue officers to be posted at business premises under vague conditions, breaches privacy and creates an environment of harassment and intimidation. The power to place officials within private enterprises, without transparent criteria or judicial oversight, threatens operational independence and sends a chilling message to investors and entrepreneurs, he added.
He was of the view that the amendments to the Federal Excise Act, 2005, granting wide powers for enforcement and deputation of federal or provincial officers for monitoring, exacerbate this intrusion. The inclusion of loosely defined offenses such as “affixing counterfeit tax stamps” leaves room for arbitrary interpretation and misuse.
President KCCI demanded immediate withdrawal of the Ordinance and called upon the government to convene parliamentary debate with participation from elected representatives and industry stakeholders. “We reiterate our commitment to fair taxation and documentation of the economy but reject any legislative measure that bypasses due process and threatens legitimate businesses under the pretext of enforcement.”
He urged the President and the Ministry of Law and Justice to uphold constitutional principles and engage in dialogue rather than promulgating authoritarian ordinances that risk damaging Pakistan’s already fragile business climate.