AJK CBR Chief vows early resolution of industrial sector’s tax issues :

MIRPUR : Chairman Azad Jammu and Kashmir Central Board of Revenue (AJK CBR) and Secretary Inland Revenue Basal Siddiq here on Thursday assured industrialists of effective measures to resolve tax-related, administrative and information technology (IT) issues to facilitate business activities and promote industrial growth in the state.

He was chairing a meeting at the Inland Revenue Department’s committee room here, attended by Commissioner Inland Revenue South Zone Syed Ansar Ali, representatives of the Mirpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and stakeholders from the foam, oil, hydropower, cellular and pharmaceutical industries, besides officials of the department’s IT wing and various circles.

The meeting reviewed challenges faced by the industrial sector, with representatives highlighting tax-related concerns, technical difficulties and administrative hurdles affecting business operations. Siddiq said concrete measures were being taken to resolve pending issues concerning the AJK CBR and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), particularly those linked to tax matters and IT systems.

He said coordination with relevant institutions was being strengthened to ensure early resolution of outstanding issues and remove unnecessary impediments to business activities. Emphasising the industrial sector’s role in economic stability,  employment generation and investment promotion, he stressed the need for close cooperation between the government, the Inland Revenue Department and the business community to accelerate industrial development.

Siddiq urged industrialists to fulfil their legal and tax obligations promptly, saying transparency, compliance and mutual trust between public institutions and businesses were essential for a strong and sustainable economy. Commissioner Inland Revenue South Zone Syed Ansar Ali said departmental officials remained in contact with FBR representatives and were making all possible efforts to resolve technical and operational issues at the earliest.

The participants commen the department’s commitment to addressing industrialists’ concerns and facilitating tax-related matters.

The meeting concluded with a resolve to strengthen coordination among the government, the Inland Revenue Department, FBR and industry representatives to improve the business environment, promote investment and support economic development in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.