RAWALPINDI, JUN 12 (DNA): The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) convened an emergency meeting of the business community to express strong condemnation of the proposed provisions in the Finance Bill 2025-26 that grant Inland Revenue officers the explicit authority to arrest company directors, CEOs, CFOs, and other corporate officials.
Addressing the meeting, RCCI President Usman Shaukat and Group Leader Sohail Altaf raised serious concerns over the proposed legislation. “Granting unchecked arrest powers to Inland Revenue officers is deeply alarming and will open the door to harassment, bribery, blackmail, and abuse of authority,” said President Shaukat. He warned that such measures would severely damage both domestic and foreign investor confidence and deteriorate Pakistan’s already fragile business-friendly environment.
Sohail Altaf called on the Prime Minister to take immediate notice of the issue and emphasized that if the proposal is not withdrawn, the business community across the country may call for a nationwide strike.
The meeting was attended by former RCCI President Najam Rehan, Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, Executive Committee members, and other chamber members.
The RCCI leadership also strongly objected to the proposed 18% tax on solar energy, terming it a discouragement to green energy initiatives. “The budget lacks any meaningful steps to promote industry and exports. In such an environment, giving FBR the authority to arrest taxpayers will only create a climate of fear, paralyze business activity, and compel investors to move their capital out of the country,” they stated.
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