ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Iran have discussed the matters relating to cooperation in taxation and customs.
Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran in Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Hosseini called on Chairman FBR/Secretary Revenue Division Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed at FBR (HQs), Islamabad. During the meeting, matters relating to cooperation on taxation and customs between Iran and Pakistan came under discussion. Ambassador of Iran suggested increasing the effective working hours at Mand-Pishin border. He further proposed that Iranian side was ready to increase border gate timings at Taftan-Mirjawa and expected the same action from Pakistan. Chairman FBR endorsed the suggestion of the ambassador and informed that FBR had already taken up the case with Government of Balochistan to coordinate with Iranian authorities for increased opening and working hours of border crossing especially at Taftan-Mirjawa.
The visiting dignitary also highlighted that the movement of Iranian vehicles was restricted to Taftan whereas Pakistan vehicles were allowed inside Iran on TIR. Chairman FBR clarified that the movement of Iranian vehicles was restricted on the direction of NCOC due to Covid pandemic. “FBR has already taken up the case with NCOC to review the above decision,” chairman further added. The Iranian ambassador also pointed to lack of facilities for Iranian drivers at Taftan. To this, the chairman assured that Director General, NLC will be requested to address this issue as soon as possible. The visiting guest also apprised the chairman FBR about lack of infrastructure at Gabd and Mand border crossing points. The chairman FBR informed the excellency that the PC-I for Gabd/Mand was being prepared by NLC which will be followed by FBR for early processing. The chairman FBR also directed his team to write to DG NLC for provision of storage capacity/tanks of LPG at Taftan as highlighted by Iranian Ambassador during the meeting.
The visiting excellency appreciated the pivotal role of FBR as Pakistan’s premier revenue collection agency and commended its outstanding performance both in revenue collection and broadening of tax base. The chairman FBR thanked Iranian ambassador for visiting FBR and assured him of his fullest cooperation in strengthening the trade ties between the two countries.
FBR Chairman
Holds E-Kachehri in Second Consecutive Week
As a sequel to E-Kachehries held regularly to comply with the directions of the Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)/Secretary Revenue Division, Dr Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed held an E-Kachehri at FBR (HQs) on Friday to listen to the complaints and concerns of taxpayers. He has decided to hold this live interactive session with the taxpayers on every Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in order to resolve their issues and maximizing ease of doing business. This is the second consecutive week of holding E-Kachehri by the chairman FBR. He listened to the complaints of the taxpayers and issued on spot directions for resolution of complaints. He also advised the taxpayers to visit their nearest RTO and Collectorate of Customs for redressal of any problem confronted by them.
It is pertinent to mention that after holding E-Kachehries on regular basis, the taxpayers prefer to convey their proposals for making tax system more efficient during their live calls to chairman FBR instead of speaking about their personal complaints and issues about tax matters. This changing trend is a testimony to the fact that taxpayers’ problems and complaints are being satisfactorily solved by the Field Formations of FBR. The chairman FBR appreciated the suggestions put forth by the taxpayers and assured them that their valued input would be duly considered for formulation of tax policies and initiatives for taxpayers. He reaffirmed that FBR was taking all possible steps to facilitate the taxpayers.
Chairman FBR has already instructed all field formations to resolve the outstanding issues of taxpayers and made it clear that any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.