Mr. Muhammad Ramzan Bhatti, Member Domestic Operations South, FBR along with Mr. Asrar Rauf, DG RTO, Karachi and Mr. Khalid Mehmood, Member FBR visited Federation House Karachi on Monday, August 3, 2009 to discuss the problems being faced across the country by Industrialist and business community on issues related to Tax collection system.

Mr. Sultan Ahmed Chawla, President FPCCI welcomed Mr. Muhammad Ramzan Bhatti to FPCCI and congratulated him on assuming the responsibility of Member Domestic Operations South, FBR. Thereafter he pointed out various matters related to sales tax, income tax and custom duty.

During the meeting various proposals for expanding Tax net were discussed at length. It was assured by President FPCCI that FPCCI will extend all cooperation and assistance to FBR, not only in Tax collection but will also make proposals to ease the system of Tax collection. It was pointed out by President FPCCI that the economy of Pakistan is confronted with many challenges which are hampering industrial growth process which resulted in decline of exports. He further said that under the present circumstances we have to make a combine effort to achieve not only the export target but also to avoid taking loans from IMF. He said that last year tax collection was Rs.1160 billion while this year Rs.1380 billion has been targeted. Replying to queries asked by the members of FPCCI, Mr. Ramzan Bhatti informed the house that the system of Tax collection is being simplified and computerized.

While talking about the tax evaders, Mr. Bhatti said that FBR has introduced 16 points criteria to unearth under invoicing and malpractices. However if any one meets 9 criteria out of 16 and remove discrepancies then no action will be taken against the said company. FPCCI has been requested to provide white list to FBR to provide rebate to those businesses without any verification inorder to take FPCCI into confidence. It was also decided to form a committee consisting of Mr. Muhammad Mansha Churra, Mr. Zakaria Usman Vice Presidents FPCCI, Mr. Nasiruddin Sheikh and Mr. Shakil Dhingra for interaction with FBR. In response to the query for Swat effective businessmen it was informed by Mr. Ramzan Bhatti that he will take up the matter in FBR.

Mr. Tariq Sayeed, President SAARC CCI & former President FPCCI said that FBR should collect the taxes from businessmen and increase the tax net but in an organised fashion and ensured FPCCI's cooperation in this respect. He assured that businessmen will pay taxes but they should not be harassed. He strongly curbed under invoicing which is a loss to national economy. CARE system should be scrutinized and loopholes be fixed. The high ups of FBR should ensure Corruption free atmosphere. He said that the only option left inorder to get rid on dependency of IMF huge loans is to focus regional trade, especially with China he asserted. Agriculture sector should be focused so that the outputs can gain maximum returns. He also mentioned that FBR interactions and meetings with the business community should be on sectorial grounds so that the problems could be highlighted and resolved immediately.

Mr. Bhatti assured his full support and assured that he will take appropriate measures and issue directives to concerned departments in FBR to resolve the issues highlighted in the meeting by the members of FPCCI.

Mr. Tariq Sayeed, President SAARC CCI & former President FPCCI , Mr. M. Mansha Churra, Mr. Zakaria Usman & Mr. Mumtaz Ali Sheikh, Vice Presidents FPCCI, Mr. Ibrahim Panwala Sheikh Shakil Ahmad Dhingra, Chairman Standing Committee, laison with FBR, Mr. Nasiruddin Sheikh, Chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on Valuation, Mr. Dawood Usman Jhakora, Chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on R&D , Mr. Shahzada Alam, Mr.Akbar Abdullah former President FPCCI, Mr. Shahid-ur-Rehman, Incharge FPCCI Peshawer Office and Executive Committee FPCCI also attended the meeting.