Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), has called for an immediate halt to the Tajir Dost Scheme and the withdrawal of tax notices issued to small shopkeepers. Sheikh highlighted that the scheme requires shopkeepers to pay a hefty tax of Rs60,000 per month, a sum deemed unaffordable for many.
In his statement, Sheikh criticized the tax officials for serving notices to both registered and unregistered shopkeepers, contrary to earlier assurances that small businesses would face a minimal tax of Rs1,000 to Rs1,200. The current demand of Rs60,000 is being described as excessively burdensome, pushing many shopkeepers to the brink of closure.
Sheikh emphasized that the Tajir Dost Scheme, flawed in its current form, needs a thorough review with input from all relevant stakeholders. He stressed that shopkeepers, already struggling with high inflation and steep utility bills, cannot withstand such severe tax demands without jeopardizing their livelihoods.
The KCCI President expressed concern that the imposition of such a high tax could force many businesses to shut down, worsening economic conditions and public hardship. He noted that the notices have caused significant anxiety among shopkeepers, regardless of their registration status.
Sheikh has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to address the difficulties faced by shopkeepers. He urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to reconsider the tax demands and to suspend the scheme until it is revised to be more supportive of the business community.
The Karachi Chamber firmly rejects the current implementation of the Tajir Dost Scheme and calls for its postponement until it can be restructured to better accommodate the needs of shopkeepers.
Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates.
