COAS Munir instructs FBR to have dialogue with businessmen over arrest powers, penalties: FPCCI
The development comes days after Pakistan's two largest cities - Karachi and Lahore - faced partial and complete market closures over a strike call by traders against what they called 'anti-business' tax measures introduced in the Finance Act 2025.
Karachi, Lahore hit by strike against 'anti-business' tax measures
In the Finance Act, the government expanded the FBR powers with Sections 37A and 37B, which empower the tax authority officials with arbitrary arrests; Section 21(S), which imposes harsh penalties on cash transactions of Rs200,000 or more; mandatory digital invoicing under SRO 709; and the imposition of e-Bilty under Section 40(C).
'Mr Atif Ikram Sheikh maintained that the business community is immensely thankful to Field Marshal Asim Munir for immediately directing that the new provisions; particularly those added under Sections 37A and 37B of the Sales Tax Act 1990, pertaining to arrest and detention; be held in abeyance; and, for instructing the FBR to enter meaningful and solution-oriented dialogue with stakeholders and address their concerns,' the FPCCI statement read.
The statement further said the delegation had presented a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by the industrial sector – with particular emphasis on the recently enacted expansions of the FBR's powers.
'Additionally, the GHQ will support economic activities in the country through the platform of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC); fostering an environment of collaboration and trust.'
The business community's delegation also called for interest rates to be brought down in line with inflation to stimulate businesses and economic activities. It also highlighted the delay in notification of the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) amendments relating to exclusion of cotton and cotton yarn from the scheme; and, imposition of an 18% sales tax on their imports, according to FPCCI statement.
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'We salute the Field Marshall's exemplary commitment to engaging with the business community and industry, demonstrating both patience and concern for economic issues faced by the businesses and people of Pakistan.' During the highly constructive meeting, the delegation commended the government and SIFC's monumental efforts that have brought much-needed economic stability to the country and thanked the Army Chief for his unwavering support and resolve. It presented a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by the industrial sector, with particular emphasis on the recently enacted expansions of the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) powers. We are immensely thankful to Field Marshall Munir for immediately directing that the new provisions, particularly those added under Sections 37A and 37B of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 pertaining to arrest and detention, be held in abeyance, and for instructing the FBR to enter meaningful, solution-oriented dialogue with stakeholders and address their concerns. The GHQ will oversee progress through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), fostering an environment of collaboration and trust. The delegation called for interest rates to be brought down in line with inflation to stimulate businesses and economic activity. It also highlighted the significant delay in notification of the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) amendments relating to exclusion of cotton, cotton yarn, and fabric from the scheme and imposition of an 18% sales tax on their imports. Field Marshal Munir assured the delegation that these measures, as announced in the Finance Minister's budget speech, will be implemented without delay. APTMA is grateful for the Field Marshall's attention to unsustainable electricity prices that are burdening manufacturers and businesses across the country. We appreciate his ongoing commitment to securing more competitive electricity rates for consumers nationwide, with special emphasis on revitalizing the industrial and export sectors. His unwavering support is a testament to his overarching vision to propel Pakistan's economic landscape to new heights. On behalf of the entire textile sector and business community, APTMA once again extends its profound gratitude to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir NI (M) for his visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to Pakistan's progress and growth. The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to immediately issue a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) for imposing 18% general sales tax (GST) on imported cotton, as outlined in the Finance Bill 2025. In a statement, the PBF emphasised that despite clear announcement in the federal budget to tax the imported cotton, its implementation was pending due to the absence of the required SRO. 'More than three weeks have passed since approval of the budget, yet the delay continues without any justifiable reason.' According to the PBF, credible reports indicate that certain influential interest groups are obstructing the issuance of the SRO. 'The government must ensure transparency and move forward in the interest of local cotton growers and the economy,' said PBF Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad. The forum cautioned that cotton imports had exceeded domestic production for the first time in Pakistan's history – a development that poses serious risks to sustainability of textile and agriculture sectors. 'The FBR must act urgently, keeping in view the seriousness of the issue and release the SRO without further delay,' it said. The forum disclosed that importers had already entered into agreements for 7.5 million bales of cotton from international markets. 'After much effort, local cotton farmers finally achieved a level playing field through legislation. The time has come to translate that into action,' Jawad said. To reclaim Pakistan's status as a leading cotton-producing nation, he underlined the need for federal and provincial governments to launch a nationwide cotton revival programme. He recommended that the import of raw material, especially those impacting domestic industries, should be entirely excluded from the Export Facilitation Scheme. The forum also expressed concern over the current state of cotton crops. According to the latest figures, Sindh's performance remains particularly troubling, with reported supply of only 152,650 bales so far this year, compared to 327,666 bales in the same period of last year – a decline of 53%. In contrast, Punjab has shown relatively better results, with supply of 145,101 bales, reflecting a 27% rise over last year. Notable growth has been observed in several districts, including Khanewal (28,825 bales), Vehari (33,950 bales), Dera Ghazi Khan (19,397 bales) and Rajanpur (9,200 bales) – all recording improved yields. The Cotton Crop Reporting Center (CCRC) Punjab has been accused of releasing exaggerated cotton production data, contrary to actual facts. Investigations reveal that CCRC determines Punjab's total cotton yield by extrapolating the weight of cotton from a single boll to an assumed number of bolls per acre across the province. In some districts, production estimates are based on small experimental plots measuring just eight feet in length and six feet in width. For years, Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) has alleged that CCRC Punjab's production figures are consistently higher than actual market data, causing significant challenges for cotton stakeholders in planning their strategies. Some industry players have even suggested that the inflated numbers may be linked to undocumented sales by certain ginners. The discrepancy in data has also led to confusion in international forums, where Pakistan faces skepticism over its official cotton production claims due to conflicting reports. Ahsan-ul-Haq, Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, highlighted that as of July 15, PCGA reported Punjab's cotton production at 145,000 bales, while CCRC Punjab claimed 335,000 bales—a staggering difference. He criticized CCRC's methodology, stating that estimating province-wide production based on a few bolls or small test plots is unrealistic and misleading. Haq urged CCRC Punjab to adopt a more transparent approach, similar to PCGA's practice of collecting bi-weekly sales and stock data from ginning factories. He recommended that CCRC staff gather real-time data from ginning units and grain markets to provide accurate production figures, ensuring better decision-making for stakeholders and restoring credibility in Pakistan's cotton. Sajid Mahmood, Head of the Technology Transfer Department at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) Multan, has urged cotton farmers to follow the recommendations of CCRI's agricultural experts regarding the impact of monsoon rains on the cotton crop. He stated that while timely and moderate monsoon rains can be beneficial for the crop, continuous and heavy rainfall can cause severe damage. Last year as well, heavy rains and other challenges significantly affected cotton production, resulting in only 6 million bales. Therefore, proactive precautionary measures are essential to prevent potential losses this season. He explained that excessive rainfall can lead to unwanted plant overgrowth, rapid weed development, and increased risk of pest attacks—especially pink bollworm. Immediate steps must be taken to ensure proper drainage in the fields, and rainwater should be removed within 24 hours. Digging a pit about four feet deep in one corner of the field can help collect water and ease drainage. Regarding weed control, Sajid Mahmood advised hoeing (godi) as soon as the field conditions allow. If the crop has reached a height of three feet or more, the use of tractors should be avoided to prevent damage. Instead, lighter agricultural tools like kusola should be used. For managing weeds, he recommended spraying glyphosate (1 liter per 100 liters of water) only in triple-gene cotton varieties. In conventional varieties, the use of 'Shield' is mandatory. He emphasized the importance of eliminating weeds before they begin to seed. Furthermore, Sajid Mahmood advised farmers to avoid unnecessary irrigation in anticipation of rainfall. If irrigation is required, it should be done lightly in the evening. In case symptoms of parawilt or wilting appear on the crop, apply 500 grams of potassium nitrate or potassium sulfate as a foliar spray, or apply 10 to 15 kilograms of potassium sulfate through irrigation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
