PESHAWAR: All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association has accused the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of harassing traders through unnecessary notices and registration of FIRs and demanded the immediate withdrawal of cases filed against businessmen.

Speaking at a press conference at Peshawar Press Club on Friday, the association’s provincial chairman, Ameer Hussain Babar, said the business community was ready to pay all legal taxes but, he added, they would not tolerate intimidation, blackmail or humiliation.

He said traders across the country were being subjected to undue pressure by the FBR on a daily basis, creating unrest within the business community.

“Traders pay taxes to the government and contribute to the economy, but they also deserve respect and dignity,” he said, adding that businessmen and leaders of traders’ organisations were allegedly being harassed and mentally tortured through what he termed “baseless actions” by tax authorities.

Mr Babar demanded that the FIRs registered against Lahore-based traders, Tahir Mahmood Bhatti and Kashif Butt, be withdrawn immediately.

He warned that if the alleged harassment and blackmailing of traders by FBR officials continued, the business community across Pakistan would launch a protest movement against the FBR chairman. He said traders could also shut down businesses nationwide, holding the government responsible for the consequences.

The association leader further demanded the withdrawal of what he called “illegal notices” issued to traders and urged the government to create a business-friendly environment where disputes could be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.

He said harassment and public humiliation of traders would not solve problems but instead create law and order issues and increase tensions in the society.

Mr Babar also called on the authorities to ensure implementation of constitutional protections guaranteed under Articles 4 and 14 of the Constitution and provide traders with a secure environment for business activities.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2026