Quetta’s business community is threatening mass protests if the government does not roll back controversial tax measures and arrest powers granted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Business leaders argue that these powers will cripple local trade, especially in economically fragile Balochistan.
QCCI Stands Firm Against Budget Measures
At a meeting held Saturday, members of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) expressed strong opposition to the federal budget’s new provisions. They described the measures as a “death warrant” for business owners and warned that the policies could trigger province-wide unrest.
Haji Ghulam Farooq Khilji, QCCI’s patron-in-chief, took a hard stance against the newly introduced tax rules and enforcement powers. He said the business community would launch a movement if the government does not withdraw what he called “anti-business provisions.”
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Section 37A Sparks Uproar
A major point of contention is Section 37A of the Sales Tax Act. The clause allows FBR officers to arrest CEOs and company directors on mere suspicion of tax fraud, without prior investigation or due process. Khilji criticised this as a dangerous overreach, calling it a threat to both small and large businesses.
He further objected to penalties for non-filers involved in transactions exceeding Rs200,000, arguing that these rules would discourage business activity rather than increase compliance.
Balochistan’s Fragile Economy at Risk
Business leaders emphasized that such federal policies fail to consider the unique challenges facing Balochistan’s economy. With limited industrial development and ongoing security concerns, they argued that imposing harsh fiscal controls would only deepen economic instability in the province.
Call for Immediate Action
The QCCI urged the government to engage in dialogue with business representatives and revise the budgetary provisions. Without corrective steps, they warned that peaceful protest could escalate into a broader movement against economic injustice.
Business leaders concluded by stating that they are ready to protect their rights and livelihoods if pushed beyond their limit.
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