Business Community Opposes Section 37AA of Finance Bill 2025-26, Seeks its Immediate Revisions

RAWALPINDI ( WNAM REPORT ): The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Section 37AA of the Finance Bill 2025-26, which grants sweeping arrest and prosecution powers to officers of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Speaking at a joint press conference hosted by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, RCCI President Usman Shaukat expressed grave concerns over the draconian nature of these provisions.
President Shaukat emphasized that such unchecked powers would severely damage investor confidence, disrupt business operations, and create a hostile environment for entrepreneurs. “We demand an immediate rollback of Section 37AA and urge the government to make the budget business- and investment-friendly,” he said.
RCCI also categorically rejected the imposition of new taxes across sectors, including the 18% General Sales Tax (GST) on solar panels and the proposed carbon levy, warning that these measures would stifle industrial growth, hamper exports, and burden the common citizen.
At the conclusion of the press conference, all participating chambers united in their demand for an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss and resolve these critical issues. The Sialkot Chamber further announced that if the government fails to respond positively by June 20, it would initiate protest actions, including a “No Export Week” and a complete halt in the filing of tax returns.
RCCI stands in solidarity with the business community nationwide in calling for immediate policy revisions to safeguard economic stability and foster a more supportive business climate.