Five zero-rated sectors protest against controversial SROs

A meeting of Chairmen of Trade Associations representing all five-zero rated export-oriented sectors and Executive Body of Sialkot Chamber was held under the Chairmanship of President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Sheikh Abdul Majid, at SCCI on Thursday to record protest against the issuance of controversial SROs by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The Chairmen of Associations expressed strong resentment against FBR's policy of imposing controversial SROs on the export sectors without taking relevant trade bodies and stakeholders on board prior to issuance of SROs. The Chairmen unanimously resolved that government should immediately withdraw SRO 98(I)/2013 dated February 14, SRO 140(I)/2013 dated February 26, and SRO 154(I)/2013 dated February 28, as these SROs were creating panic and harassment amongst the five zero rated sectors.
The representatives reiterated their protest and expressed solidarity with the protests staged by various zero-rated stakeholders at Karachi against the government's policy of taking arbitrary decisions in the matter of imposition of taxes on export sector. The Chairmen were of the view that SROs 98, 140 and 154 would prove a futile effort to enhance government revenue as it would pave the way for fake refund claims and departmental corruption. They said FBR was implementing policies resulting in financial hardships and inconvenience to documented sectors and would adversely affect overall exports of the country.
The Chairmen declared that if the government was sincere in its efforts to provide facilitation to the export sector, then FBR should immediately withdraw controversial SROs and restore prior status. They warned that if SROs 98, 140 and 154 would not be withdrawn forthwith, it would discourage the export sector and results in closure of export-oriented manufacturing units and lay off of workers and employees. They further resolved to continue their protests till their genuine demand for alleviation of problems of export sectors by withdrawal of controversial SROs would be accepted by the government.
The representatives reiterated their protest and expressed solidarity with the protests staged by various zero rated stakeholders at Karachi against Government's policy of taking arbitrary decisions in the matter of imposition of taxes on export sector. The representatives of Pakistan Sports Goods Association, Surgical Instruments Manufacturers Association, Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association and Pakistan Carpets Manufacturers and Exporters Association attended the protest meeting. Later, a protest rally was also taken out and the members of business community were holding black flags.