Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kayani, held a meeting with representatives of the business community, led by Haji Mehr Ghulam Mujtaba, President Central Anjuman-e-Tajiran Sialkot, and Sheikh Fazal ur Rehman Babar Khuran, President Anjuman-e-Tajiran Gujranwala, at the Finance Division to discuss matters related to the forthcoming federal budget and taxation reforms. This meeting is part of larger reach out exercise to traders being conducted by Ministry of Finance, Tax Policy Office and FBR.
Welcoming the participants, the Minister acknowledged the pivotal role of Sialkot and Gujranwala in Pakistan’s export economy and industrial output, and underscored that the primary objective of the engagement was to obtain practical and constructive input from the trader community for the development of a more efficient, equitable, and business-friendly taxation system.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to broadening the tax base while facilitating ease of doing business and reducing compliance burdens for traders and the wider business community. The Minister further emphasized that ongoing and future tax reforms would be strengthened through direct consultation with traders and other stakeholders possessing firsthand knowledge of market dynamics. He asked the traders to come forward with practical proposals for broadening of tax base ensuring registration and tax filing of all traders.
During the meeting, representatives of the trader community shared their views on various taxation-related matters, including the implementation of Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, documentation requirements, and the need for simplification of existing procedures. They highlighted the importance of transparency, facilitation, and fostering trust between taxpayers and tax authorities. The business leaders expressed satisfaction over government’s outreach efforts before budget exercise.
The Minister assured participants that the government remains committed to addressing genuine concerns of the business community and is actively pursuing reforms aimed at enhancing fairness, reducing procedural complexities, and strengthening confidence in the taxation framework. He reaffirmed that all proposed measures would be developed in close consultation with stakeholders to ensure effective and smooth implementation.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining constructive dialogue and collaboration between the government and the business community to promote sustainable economic growth and improved tax compliance.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Aqeel Kapoor, President Sialkot Kiryana (Grocery) Association; Mr. Sheikh Zubair, President Sports Market Sialkot; Mr. Sher Khan ,Vice President Sarafa (Gold & Jewelry) Association Sialkot; Mr. Irfan Mir, Media Coordinator Sialkot; Mr. Sheikh Ayub Green Merchant, President Sialkot and Senior Vice President Central Anjuman-e-Tajiran Sialkot; Mr. Shiraz Warraich, President Swiss and Bags Sialkot; and Mr. Mirza Maqsood Ahmed Baig, President Ghala Mandi (Grain Market) Sialkot (who all participated virtually), as well as Mr. Muhammad Ajmal Butt (Gujranwala). Senior officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), including representatives from the Tax Policy Office, were also present.
