By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: Senior Vice President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, has welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to hold monthly outreach meetings with the business community, calling it a positive step towards rebuilding trust between taxpayers and the government.
He stated that the business community has consistently advocated for a consultative and facilitative approach instead of excessive enforcement. The Prime Minister’s decision reflects a timely realization that sustainable economic growth can only be achieved through regular dialogue, mutual trust, and partnership with the private sector.
Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh said that direct engagement between senior FBR officials and business representatives will help resolve genuine issues promptly, improve tax compliance, reduce unnecessary disputes, and create a more business-friendly environment. He added that recognition of compliant taxpayers would further encourage voluntary tax compliance and strengthen the country’s tax culture.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s economy requires policies that promote investment, industrial expansion, exports, and job creation. A transparent, predictable, and simplified tax regime will not only broaden the tax base but also enhance investor confidence and improve Pakistan’s competitiveness.
The LCCI Senior Vice President urged the FBR to ensure that these monthly meetings are meaningful and result-oriented. He suggested that representatives from all major chambers of commerce, trade bodies, and industrial associations should be actively involved, while issues raised during these consultations should be addressed within clearly defined timelines.
Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh reiterated LCCI’s commitment to working closely with the government and FBR to formulate practical tax policies that facilitate businesses, increase documentation of the economy, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
He expressed confidence that if implemented in its true spirit, the Prime Minister’s initiative would mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation between the government and the business community, ultimately benefiting the national economy and strengthening Pakistan’s investment climate.
