BRT project: SCCI seeks tax exemption for three years

The executive committee of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has demanded of the Khyber Paktunkhwa government to exempt traders affected by ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project from all provincial taxes for next three years. The demand was made through a unanimous resolution during a meeting of the Executive Committee held at the chamber house on Saturday.
SCCI President Faiz Muhammad presided over the meeting. SCCI Vice President, Haris Mufti, former president Zahidullah Shinwari, executive committee members also present during the meeting.
The resolution also sought the action against those who were responsible for ignoring representation of the chamber through its nominated members in the KP-EZDMC, KP-BOIT, TEVTA and other boards, besides non-provision of gas connections to industries on priority basis.
It further expressed apprehension about delay in implementation of the SCCI proposed industrial policy in the province.
The meeting decided to make further strong coordination with other chambers to resolve issues of the business community in an efficient manner.
In the meeting, a committee has constituted for Business Excellence Award for next year, which will be headed by former SCCI president Zahidullah Shinwari.
The meeting expressed concern over gradual decline in mutual trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan and impediments in Pak-Afghan transit trade.
It urged the both governments, especially Afghanistan to resolve issues of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa exporters and traders on the priority basis to enhance the bilateral trade volume between the two neighbouring countries.
In this regard, the meeting has decided that a delegation of SCCI will hold meeting with Federal Minister for Commerce, Abdul Razaq Dawood soon to apprise him about present hurdles in the Pak-Afghan bilateral trade.
The meeting also expressed serious concerns over lack of facilities at Peshawar Dry port.
SCCI President Faiz Muhammad while speaking on the occasion demanded of the provincial government to exempt traders affected by ongoing BRT project from all provincial taxes for next three-years. He stressed the need for comprehensive traffic management plan to control over the traffic mess due to the BRT project.