Multiple industrial sectors presented their budget recommendations during a Senate Standing Committee on Finance session, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, urging the government to introduce tax reliefs to support business growth and competitiveness.
The Pakistan Poultry Association appealed for the removal of sales tax on branded chicken and concessions on the ten taxes currently applied to chicken feed, aiming to reduce production costs and make poultry more affordable.
The Dairy Association proposed a reduction in sales tax on milk from 18% to 5%, citing affordability and nutritional access as key reasons.
Similarly, the Fruit Juices Council recommended a cut in Federal Excise Duty (FED) on fruit juices from 20% to 15%, to support the processed food sector and local manufacturers.
Representing the construction sector, the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) made several demands including the abolishment of the controversial Seven-E law, removal of advance income tax on property purchases, elimination of taxes on plots, and the restoration of a tax system based on covered area—a move seen as a way to revive the real estate market.
READ MORE: Zafar Gohar Eyes England Cricket After Missed Chance with Pakistan
Towel manufacturers called for the reinstatement of FBR’s SRO 112, expressed concerns about the 2% tax under the normal tax regime, and urged the government to provide electricity bill subsidies to SMEs to help reduce operational costs.
The Steel Melters Association raised concerns over the smuggling of steel scrap and demanded an end to the FBR’s fixed steel pricing policy. Senator Mandviwalla assured them that he would raise the issue again with the FBR.
In response to these extensive relief requests, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial criticized the lack of concrete proposals from industries on how to offset the revenue losses that would result from such significant tax reductions.
The meeting highlighted the growing pressure on the government to restructure the taxation system in the upcoming federal budget to provide relief to key sectors while maintaining fiscal stability.
