ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar here chaired a briefing session to review progress on talks with business community regarding withholding tax as well as on other tax related issues.
It may be recalled that, as per directions of the Finance Minister to hold meaningful parleys with business community, three committees were constituted on 27th July 2015 which included Income Tax Committee, Sales Tax Committee, and Communication Committee. Meetings of these committees have since been held and the Finance Minister was updated on the discussions that have taken place.
The Chairman FBR informed that it had been clarified to traders and members of business community that the proposal of withholding tax was discussed at the forum of Tax Reforms Commission which had members of the business community, before a decision was taken on the issue. He said it was endeavour of the government to facilitate the traders as much as possible. He said representatives of the traders had throughout the talks assured full support to the government in its efforts to broaden the tax net and to promote tax culture. The government welcomed this gesture and hoped that the business community would display the same national spirit and sense of accommodation on the issue regarding withholding tax.
The Finance Minister on this occasion appreciated FBR’s continued engagement with the businessmen, traders and representatives of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry to resolve the matter regarding withholding tax. He assured that all efforts would be made to redress the genuine grievances of the tax payers, especially the business community.