QUETTA: Around 1,000 traders from Balochistan have registered with FBR’s ‘Tajir Dost Scheme’, aimed at bringing more retailers into the tax net, according to the scheme’s chief coordinator, Naeem Mir.

While addressing a press conference after a meeting with FBR officials on Saturday, Mr Mir said traders gave their input and suggestions regarding the scheme in the meeting.

FBR Deputy Commissioner Aqsa Gharshin, Anjuman Tajran Balochistan president Abdul Rah­eem Kakar and the convener of Tajir Dost Scheme in Balo­chistan, Chaudhry Naeem Kar­e­em, were also present during the presser.

Mr Mir, who is the chairman of the Supreme Council of All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran, said traders were briefed by the senior officials of FBR on the scheme.

“The traders openly expressed their reservations and concerns with FBR officials,” Mr Mir said, adding that these would be conveyed to the prime minister, finance minister, and FBR chairman so that the concerns could be addressed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directly taken traders on board regarding the tax scheme to boost the economy, Mr Mir said.

“The government has introduced a very simple system for bringing traders into the tax net,” he said. while talking about the scheme

Mr Mir denied that traders were refusing to pay taxes. “They only want the FBR not to create trouble for them after registration.”

However, he said traders have their some reservations about the scheme and they will submit them in writing to the FBR. He said the first phase of the tax scheme will start in July.

For the convenience of traders in Balochistan, Chaudhry Naeem Kareem has been appointed as the coordinator.

In response to a question about the sit-in in Chaman, Mr Mir said even though it was not within his mandate, he would talk to them and try to resolve their issues.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2024