KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has agreed to nominate two representatives of traders’ associations at each of the 17 Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) across the country to improve coordination between the tax office and the trading community, the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association said on Friday.
Association President Qasim Shikarpuri said a highly positive, successful and result-oriented meeting with senior FBR officials, particularly Bilal Azhar Kayani, during which issues faced by the jewellers community, tax matters and ways to promote mutual cooperation were discussed in detail.
According to a statement by the association, the FBR assured that traders who pay taxes according to the law will not be “harassed” and will be given full cooperation.
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Shikarpuri appealed to traders whose tax returns do not match their assets to revise them immediately, and asked those who have filed Nil Returns to correct their filings as well. He said all concerned traders should submit their advance tax on time, and that traders who have already filed accurate returns should also ensure their payments reflect a 30 percent increase compared to last year’s tax, in line with FBR instructions.
He made it clear that all matters should be handled with complete transparency and in accordance with the law. He said no bribes or “under the table” payments should be made under any circumstances, and that all matters should instead be handled in consultation with the association’s nominated representatives.
The trade leader hope that mutual trust, continued contact and cooperation between the FBR and the trading community will not only remove misunderstandings but also bring positive results for the jewellers and sarafa community across the country.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026