ISLAMABAD: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Saturday expressed concern over the abrupt recovery of super tax by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), warning that collecting around Rs300 billion in one go could lead to a severe liquidity crunch in the industrial sector.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh urged a more measured approach to the recovery process, suggesting a five-year timeline to avoid disruptions.

He, however, lauded the government’s economic package, calling it a crucial step toward export-led growth and expressed the expectations of a 50 per cent tax reduction in the real estate sector in the near future.

The FPCCI president also criticised the FBR and other government agencies for their high-handedness and undue harassment of traders and industrialists.

He called for reforms in power rates and taxation, which remain among the highest in the region. “Electricity costs in Pakistan are still the most expensive in South Asia,” he stated, while urging further reductions in energy prices.

Mr Sheikh also commended the government’s decision to introduce the Blue Passport initiative for exporters, which he said would provide much-needed support to the country’s trade community.

On monetary policy, the FPCCI president called for a gradual reduction of the policy rate to 7pc to foster investment and alleviate poverty.

He also proposed establishing District Economic Commissioners to address economic challenges at the grassroots level, focusing on industrial research, promoting SMEs, and including women in the economy.

The FPCCI’s stance reflects a broader call for balanced fiscal policies that promote long-term stability while ensuring economic growth across all sectors.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2026