ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) delayed enforcement of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) condition on purchase of over Rs50,000 for nearly two months for traders, thwarting a nationwide strike that they were set to observe against the government.
According to media, the interim understanding was reached during a meeting between the FBR and various associations of traders with FBR Chairman Shabbar Zaidi in chair.
“It has inter alia been agreed with consensus that no adverse action under the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and Sales Tax Act 1990 will be taken against the traders merely on the basis of information emanating from providing CNIC as required under the Finance Act 2019 till September 30, 2019”, according to a press release issued by the FBR after the meeting.
It added there will be discussions between the associations and bodies of traders for the finalization of scheme for small shopkeepers for which drafts have been furnished by various trade bodies, which will be taken into consideration by the FBR.
Through budget 2019-20, the government made it legally binding for the industrialists to seek the CNIC from the wholesalers and distributors on sales of over Rs50,000. The move pitched the traders and small shopkeepers against the government.
“As a result of today’s meeting, we have postponed the strike call till September 30,” said Ajmal Baloch, President All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajraan –an alliance of the traders.
