Panel questions traders’ low tax registration

A National Assembly finance committee questioned the weak uptake of the government’s Tajir Dost Scheme, after officials had expected 80 per cent of shopkeepers to register. Chairman Naveed Qamar said participation below 20pc would leave the initiative effectively where it started, and asked State Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani about enforcement.

The minister told the committee that the filing deadline passed on Oct 31 and that penalties could apply to retailers who do not comply. He said an enforcement procedure would be presented within days, with the final plan to be submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after consultation with the Attorney General and FBR. Members also sought verifiable evidence on the Export Facilitation Scheme’s use and its contribution to exports, citing concerns about alleged misuse and no matching rise in overall exports.