Khawar Hussain Spall led a delegation to two meetings aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Pakistan. The group held discussions with Haroon Akhtar Khan, the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production.
Maj. Gen. Sajid Amin HI(M), Director General of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), also received the delegation. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister, and Jamil Ahmed Qureshi, Secretary SIFC, were also among the officials met.
The Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) urged that authorities fully exempt exporters from acting as tax withholding agents for federal and provincial bodies. Asad Naseer Malik, Senior Vice President, proposed the removal of the 5 percent withholding sales tax on unregistered purchases for AOPs and sole proprietors.
Malik suggested harmonising the definitions of SMEs used by the FBR and SMEDA to include exporters with annual exports reaching PKR 2 billion. The Senior Vice President also emphasised creating a one-window facility to collect EOBI, PESSI, and WWF payments.
The delegation advocated for restoring the zero-rating regime of "no payment, no refund" for sectors heavy on exports. Exporters also requested duty-free and DRAP NOC-exempt clearance for research and development samples.
Haroon Akhtar Khan and Maj. Sajid Amin appreciated the practical recommendations provided by the Sialkot Chamber. Both officials assured the delegation of full support in resolving the issues raised.
