KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has held a high-level meeting with Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) Chairman Dr Wasif Ali Memon to discuss major tax challenges affecting the business community, particularly within the services sector.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said the discussion centred on persistent issues such as delayed tax refunds, double taxation, and the need for a transparent, cost-efficient refund mechanism. He cautioned that sudden enforcement of new tax laws without consultation increases the cost of doing business, and urged the formation of a joint FPCCI–SRB committee to resolve long-pending matters.
He appreciated the SRB chairman’s supportive stance and stressed the need for incentives for indenters as well as a simplified registration process with defined timelines. FPCCI also reiterated its proposal to reduce Sindh Sales Tax (SST) on indenters from 3 percent to 1 percent.
Responding to these points, Dr Wasif Ali Memon recalled his long-standing association with FPCCI members and agreed to forward the proposal for reducing tax on indenters to one percent to the Sindh Chief Minister for consideration by the provincial cabinet. He clarified that SRB’s tax rate caps at 15 percent and highlighted taxpayer-friendly measures, including a two-minute waiting time for visitors, very few FIRs filed in SRB’s 15-year history, and QR code–based incentives.
Dr Memon further assured swift processing of certified refund claims and streamlined appeal procedures. On pending Supreme Court cases involving indenters, he suggested a meeting between SRB and legal representatives to explore out-of-court settlements and urged litigants to follow the example of voluntarily compliant indenters.
He also acknowledged documentation hurdles in SRB registration and pledged to eliminate unnecessary requirements in line with directions from the Sindh chief minister.
FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon raised additional concerns from freight forwarders and indenters, including high tax rates and taxation on gross invoices. He called for out-of-court settlements, appointment of an SRB focal person for quick issue resolution, and introduction of an industrialisation package.
