Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tuesday said all untaxed sectors should be taxed and enforcement of professional tax should be strengthened. MCCI came hard on Federal Board of Revenue for trying to implement SRO 821(I) 2011 by creating an impression that all chambers of commerce and trade bodies are closely working to get it done through a phased programme.
MCCI president, Anis 'A Sheikh, Senior Vice President, Khwaja Muhammad Hussain questioned that if an institution like FBR propels false information, what the masses should expect from other government machinery. MCCI office-bearers said FBR and chambers of commerce are not on the same page on the issue, as the former wants documentation of economy through this SRO. He furthered that MCCI has already demanded withdrawal of this controversial SRO but it is very surprising that only a day after retirement of FBR chairman, authorities have tried to give impression as if it is an agreed proposal.
He said MCCI endorses the stance of LCCI and it is firm on its stand and calls for early withdrawal of SRO 821(I) 2011 as it is unrealistic and unjustified and any attempt to implement it would be resisted tooth and nail.
MCCI president said FBR should avoid implementing the SRO without the consultation of the business community for being the main stakeholders. He asserted that the move will have devastating effect on businesses in Pakistan as the compulsory requirement of NTN or CNIC number of each and every purchaser or seller is practically almost impossible. He observed that because of literacy rate in the country and lack of compliance culture in general masses, it will be very difficult to obtain such personal details from the buyers or sellers of the goods.