FBR's Tajir Dost Scheme Sparks Outrage Among Karachi Traders

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has enforced a new taxation scheme, the Tajir Dost Scheme, mandating Karachi traders to pay an advance tax of PKR 60,000 monthly. This move has ignited widespread protests and strikes from the business community against the tax burden.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a notification demanding traders in Karachi to pay an advance tax of PKR 60,000 per month under the Tajir Dost Scheme, ARY News reported. The regional tax office in Karachi has instructed shopkeepers to make this payment by the 15th of each month.

This measure aims to simplify tax compliance for traders but has raised concerns among business owners, particularly in markets like Liaquatabad and the electronics market. Business owners are worried about the new financial obligation and have decided not to comply with the advance tax payment under the government's scheme.

A day earlier, the traders' community announced a country-wide strike on August 28 against the Tajir Dost Scheme introduced by the FBR. According to ARY News, the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran, in a joint press conference with other traders' associations, demanded the withdrawal of the Tajir Dost Scheme, labeling it 'unacceptable'.

Traders are urging the government to reconsider its recent tax policies, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the Tajir Dost Scheme and the reversal of heavy taxes on the export sector. They are also demanding the rollback of the recent increase in income tax slabs affecting salaried individuals and businessmen.

Recently, women in Karachi protested against soaring inflation and heavy taxes. Members of the Jamaat-e-Islami organized a protest, voicing their concerns over the impact of inflation and unfair taxes imposed by the government.

The protestors emphasized that skyrocketing inflation and high taxes are severely impacting their families' survival. They claim the government's policies have caused immense distress and criticized heavy taxes on essential commodities and services, exacerbating financial difficulties for the public.

One protestor mentioned, 'The only tragedy in Karachi is heavy taxes and expensive electricity. We are fed up with these baseless taxes and skyrocketing inflation and are now forced to come out on the streets to raise our voices.' Another protestor appealed to the government, stating, 'If they cannot reduce inflation, then they should raise the salaries or income of our fathers, brothers, and sons and provide more employment opportunities.'

Reportedly, Pakistan struck a $7-billion IMF loan deal last month that includes measures such as increased taxes on electricity prices. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)