Ajmal Baloch Criticizes Taxation System in Pakistan

The government's initiative to bring retailers in Pakistan under the tax net through the Tajir Dost (Trader Friend) app has faced challenges as the registration target set by the authorities could not be met. The app aimed to tax 3.5 million retailers, but a lack of interest among traders hindered the achievement of this goal.

President of All-Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran, Ajmal Baloch, expressed concerns regarding the taxation system. He criticized the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), stating that their practices do not align with being a 'Tajir Dost' due to alleged corrupt activities. Baloch highlighted that traders already pay various taxes, including fixed advance income tax through electricity bills and multiple other taxes on commercial meters.

Furthermore, Baloch emphasized that the proposed additional monthly tax of Rs1,200 per trader is unjustified, considering the substantial annual tax contributions ranging from Rs15,000 to 20,000. He called for dialogue between FBR officials and traders' representatives to address the issue of indirect taxes and alleged unauthorized 'monthly charges' collected by FBR officers from less educated traders.

In conclusion, the resistance from traders towards the Tajir Dost app registration highlights the complexities and challenges in the taxation system faced by retailers in Pakistan. The concerns raised by Ajmal Baloch shed light on the need for transparent and fair tax policies that consider the existing tax burden on traders.