RAWALPINDI, Nov 25: The Executive Committee of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Wednesday rejected the imposition of Reformed General Sales Tax (RGST). Speaking at its emergency meeting held at its offices, RCCI President Syed Ali Raza Saeed Shah said that business community was leading taxpayers but the government would not like to take them on board on the issue.

He said that businessmen were willing to pay taxes but government must broaden tax base to reduce the tax burden on common man.

Ali Raza said that industry was already facing immense problems owing to global economic crunch, energy crisis and law and order situation in the country and the new tax would add to the sufferings of the business community. He demanded of the government to reduce its expenses and eliminate corruption in the government departments.

He said textile sector major contributor to national exchequer and new levy would badly harm it. He suggested that agriculture sector must be brought in the tax net to generate more revenue.