LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) along with other trade associations on Wednesday gave the deadline of April 10 to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to review its policies relating to traders.

According to a press release, a six-member committee will decide the traders’ future line of action in case the FBR does not review its policies.

Representatives of trade bodies decided to hoist black flags. Office-bearers will also wear black bands until April 10. At a convention at the LCCI, representatives of traders said discretionary powers of FBR officials have not been withdrawn despite repeated appeals. They called it the biggest obstacle to broadening the tax net.

Participants of the convention issued a joint declaration, saying that the “oppression of FBR staff” has become unbearable. “Businessmen are working in difficult conditions, but instead of giving respect, FBR staff is twisting their arms and blackmailing them. Therefore, their discretionary powers should be withdrawn immediately.”

LCCI President Abdul Basit said the tax collection increased 60 per cent during the last three years whereas the number of people filing tax returns decreased by 200,000. “It simply reflects that the FBR could not succeed in broadening the tax net and is further squeezing the existing taxpayers,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2017