ICCI President Stresses Respect for Business Community, Urges Collaborative Tax Approach

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), has said that the business community is the mover and shaker of the economy and is fully determined to contribute to strengthening Pakistan’s economic foundations. He emphasized that in recognition of its vital role, the business community must be accorded due respect and honour.
He expressed these views while addressing a dedicated session on “Promoting Tax Culture/Awareness and Filing of Income Tax Returns” organized by the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Taxpayer Service Wing at ICCI on Friday for the Chamber’s staff.
Terming the session “highly significant, educative and timely,” President Qureshi expressed the hope that it would go a long way in guiding taxpayers on the proper filing of returns. Appreciating the FBR’s initiative, he stressed that the adoption of a facilitative approach through “velvet hammering instead of blunt enforcement” was essential to achieve the desired results of broadening the tax base.
The ICCI President also proposed the establishment of a permanent Facilitation Desk at the Chamber to provide guidance and support to the business community on tax matters. He urged that such awareness sessions should be held on a continuous basis to enhance taxpayer education and build confidence between the business community and the FBR. He assured that ICCI would extend every possible cooperation to ensure the success of this initiative.
Earlier, Ms. Kiran Zehra, Secretary Compliance, introduced her team and conveyed that on the special directions of the Chairman FBR, such sessions are being organized nationwide to facilitate taxpayers. She underlined that simplification of processes and prioritization of facilitation before enforcement remain the guiding principles of the FBR.
During the interactive Q&A session, Second Secretary Facilitation Zafar Iqbal Khan satisfactorily addressed the queries of the participants, while Inspector Salman Khaliq gave a digital presentation to explain the entire return filing process.
On the occasion, ICCI Secretary General Ghulam Murtaza welcomed the FBR team and briefed it about the Chamber’s working and its close engagement with the business community.