ISLAMABAD: The business community has lauded Haroon Akhtar Khan’s appointment as Special Assistant on Revenue to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, terming it as a good step in the right direction.
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Abdul Rauf Alam, in a statement, said that the appointment of Haroon Akhtar Khan has proved to be a right decision as he has initiated meaningful steps in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). He said Khan has not only improved working of the apex tax body but has also been taking business community on board in the major decisions which has infused confidence among investors, according to FPCCI statement.
Rauf Alam said that the taxation system in Pakistan needed mega reforms adding Khan has started the journey in the right direction. He formed high-powered committee comprising member FBR and FPCCI nominees to hammer out problems of ship-breakers and steel rerolling mills while notices issued to them have been withdrawn. The committee has been asked to furnish their findings within one week so that a proper decision could be taken. He hoped that release of refunds and improved working will settle concerns of exporters and reduce cost of doing business which will help make Pakistani products competitive in the international market.
The FPCCI president lauded the pace of phasing out concessionary SROs which will help government save billions in revenue while removing distortions in the overall system. He added that promotion of tax culture and elimination of concessions and exemptions aimed at strengthening the national economy were very positive signs.
