Your editorial 11.1.2005 under the caption "how best to deal with tax-related crimes" is timely, and should communicate the situation if the approach of FIA is successful. In case powers are delegated to the FIA in any manner to investigate the tax-related crimes, taxpayers once again shall lose confidence in the recent efforts made by the learned Chairman CBR, creating atmosphere of friendship between the taxpayers and tax collecting authorities.
In general the taxpayers have appreciated the self-assessment scheme in income tax and sales tax, sales tax auditors not allowed to visit industries/shops, the enhancement of limit for exemption, early refunds being allowed, simple procedure for clearance of bill of entries etc.
It is also not clarified as on whose report the FIA agency shall initiate investigations because there are many authorities who are not pleased with the best and proper efforts made by the Chairman CBR to create and keep friendly terms with the tax payers.
The permission so sought-for, shall jeopardise the efforts and relationship so developed between taxpayers and CBR.