Summary Karachi’s Jewellers Association has suspended negotiations with the FBR, alleging harassment, excessive taxation measures, and opposition to POS and Section 175C regulations.
KARACHI (Dunya News) -The Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association has announced the suspension of all negotiations with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), escalating its dispute with tax authorities over recent regulatory measures.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Association President Qasim Shikarpuri said jewellers would boycott all discussions and negotiations taking place in Islamabad regarding the issue.
He alleged that the FBR was attempting to cover its revenue shortfall through what he described as unfair measures targeting traders. In protest, jewellery markets across Karachi and other parts of Sindh remained closed.
Shikarpuri further claimed that some FBR officials had demanded bribes from members of the trade, alleging that two jewellers in Peshawar were asked to pay Rs250 million. He said the jewellery sector had paid Rs22 billion in taxes last year and was expected to contribute Rs44 billion this year.
The association president accused the tax authority of pressuring jewellers through enforcement actions and stated that traders reject both the Point of Sale (POS) system and Section 175C of tax laws.
According to him, a petition challenging Section 175C has already been pending in court for the past month. He also cited a recent case in Karachi where a jewellery shop was reportedly sealed after its POS machine became non-functional.
Shikarpuri said a decision on a nationwide strike would be made after consultation with stakeholders across the country.
