LAHORE - The Intelligence Units of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) have started conducting raids at paint manufacturing units, confiscating record of several units.
Showing reaction, the paint manufacturers said that their various meetings with the federal finance minister it was agreed that no raids would be conducted on manufacturing units rather notices would be served before taking any punitive action but it seemed that the bureaucracy has its own agenda and has nothing to do with the reputation of the government.
In this regard, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry has also appealed to Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to stop the Intelligence Units from conducting raids, which it said, are creating unrest and harassment among the business community.
A delegation of paint manufacturers while talking to LCCI Acting President Mian Tariq Misbah and Vice President Kashif said that it was very unfortunate that despite clear direction of Finance Minister and Chief Minister Punjab, the bureaucracy is creating an atmosphere of harassment for the businessmen people who are backbone of the economy.
They said that the manufacturing sector was already passing through very critical times due to unavailability of needed electricity & gas and in dire need of handholding by the government to run their businesses.
They said that the private sector was ready to supplement all government efforts aimed at revival of economic activities in the country if they are provided breathing space but in the presence of such anti business tactics, it would be very difficult for the private sector to continue with their businesses.
They said that the Federal Finance Minister should take stock of the whole situation and stop the FBR officials from entering into the business premises.
They said that if there is an urgent need to take action against any particular industrial unit, the FBR officials should be directed to take concerned association or the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on board.