ISLAMABAD: Members of the business community, joined by officials from key economic ministries, on strongly criticized the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), alleging undue harassment of investors and hindrance to economic activities.
The sharp rebuke came during a high-level meeting of a Committee constituted by the Prime Minister, specifically tasked with preventing undue interference by state functionaries. The session was chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue, Haroon Akhtar Khan.
Concerns Over Unnecessary Interventions
Representatives from major chambers of commerce and industry across the country voiced serious concerns regarding what they described as unnecessary interventions by the FBR, FIA, and provincial government departments. The meeting, aimed at addressing challenges faced by industrialists and investors, highlighted how such actions negatively impact the business climate.
Officials from the ministries of commerce, industries and production, and finance were also in attendance and participated in the critical discussion.
Call for Business Facilitation and Digitization
A key issue raised by the business community was the prevalent lack of readily accessible Business Facilitation Centres and the absence of an efficient nationwide one-window operation system, which they argued complicates processes and increases opportunities for undue influence.
Business leaders pressed for the swift digitization of regulatory processes. They emphasized that minimizing human interaction and eliminating discretionary powers held by officials would significantly reduce the potential for exploitation and improve the ease of doing business.
Government Committed to Facilitation
Haroon Akhtar Khan acknowledged the concerns and reiterated the Prime Minister’s vision of facilitating industrialists and investors to accelerate economic growth. He warned that unwarranted interference by state institutions could severely damage investment prospects and impede the country’s economic progress.
The committee, established recently in response to complaints lodged by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) against various government bodies, including income tax officials, customs authorities, and the FIA, is mandated to develop strategies to curb bureaucratic overreach. Mr. Khan was appointed to chair this committee to ensure coordinated efforts and recommend effective solutions.
FBR Cites Reforms, FIA Outlines Responsibilities
Responding to the accusations, FBR officials stated that reforms were in progress and that a digital complaint mechanism was under development. FIA officials presented their legal mandate and responsibilities. However, Haroon Akhtar Khan interjected, noting that the persistent complaints from the ground painted a different picture regarding interference in business matters.
Mr. Khan underscored the critical need for establishing effective Business Facilitation Centres, actively promoting ease of doing business initiatives, and developing supportive industrial policies as essential steps for the revival and sustainable growth of Pakistan’s industrial sector.
The meeting concluded with the formation of several sub-committees. These sub-committees are tasked with collecting specific data on complaints against various government departments to identify systemic issues and propose actionable reforms aimed at creating a more favorable environment for investment and economic activity.
