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Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Saggian, adjoining areas: LCCI demands resolution of industrial issues
LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for the immediate resolution of industrial issues in Saggian and its adjoining areas. These views were expressed by LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad and former president Muhammad Ali Mian while addressing a 25-member delegation of the Saggian Industries Owners Association, led by Shafiq-uz-Zaman, during a meeting held at the Lahore Chamber. The delegation also included former Executive Committee Member Wasim Chawla, Rana Muhammad Nadeem, Ali Shiraz, Mian Usman Advocate, Haji Liaqat, Malik Usman and others. During the meeting, Shafiq-uz-Zaman briefed the LCCI leadership about the challenges being faced by industries in the Saggian region. He emphasized that the business community has no other platform to raise its voice except the LCCI. He demanded either a significant reduction in the DC (Deputy Commissioner) rate or a decrease in the commercial fee from 20% to 5%, as the current rates are unbearable for industrialists. The delegation further said that doing business in the current economic climate is already extremely difficult and RUDA's imposition of additional financial burdens on industrial units located around the Saggian Bridge has placed the future of industrial activity in serious jeopardy. President Mian Abuzar Shad and former president Muhammad Ali Mian noted that there are over 1,000 small and large industrial units operating in and around the Saggian Bridge area, playing a significant role in the national economy. However, in RUDA-administered zones, the DC rates being imposed are nearly ten times higher than standard market rates, making them completely unaffordable for local industries. They made an urgent appeal to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz, to intervene immediately and direct the concerned departments to revise the DC rates in line with ground realities. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PEA seeks LCCI's help to protect emerging digital economy
LAHORE: Pakistan E-Commerce Association (PEA) has sought help of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry for support in mitigating the potential damage to the e-commerce ecosystem because of new taxation policies. In a meeting with the LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, the PEA delegation shared industry apprehensions and emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to protect Pakistan's emerging digital economy. Former LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian, delegation members Shahbaz Siddique, Imran Haider also spoke on the occasion while LCCI Executive Committee members Khurram Lodhi, Amina Randhawa and Rana Muhammad Nisar were also present. The PEA delegation apprised the LCCI President that the sudden introduction of complex taxation measures has caused widespread unrest among stakeholders in the e-commerce industry. They said that the government's recent policy changes were implemented without prior consultation and have created confusion due to vague legal definitions. This has raised fears of operational uncertainty among online sellers and marketplaces. They said that the requirement for mandatory registration for GST, Sales Tax and Income Tax, even for small and home-based businesses, will place an undue compliance burden on micro-entrepreneurs and discourage new entrants from participating in the digital economy. Moreover, the imposition of a higher withholding tax on Cash on Delivery (COD) transactions, compared to digital payments, was described as discriminatory and counterproductive to the government's stated goal of promoting digital transactions and financial inclusion. The delegation members said that the absence of stakeholder dialogue has left the industry unprepared to deal with these changes, which are being enforced without a clear roadmap. They also expressed concern over the lack of clarity in the definitions of key terms such as 'platforms' and 'intermediaries,' which could result in inconsistent enforcement and further confusion in the market. LCCI President Mian Abuzar assured full support to digital entrepreneurs and startups. He said that government policy-making must be inclusive, well-informed and designed in consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure fairness and sustainability. He stressed the need for urgent dialogue between tax authorities and the digital business community to resolve these issues amicably. He proposed that clear and precise definitions should be introduced for terms like 'platform,' 'intermediary,' and 'seller' to eliminate ambiguity. He also called for the introduction of revenue-based exemption thresholds for small and home-based businesses so that they are not forced into unnecessary compliance. He emphasized that there should be a uniform tax treatment for COD and digital payments to avoid disincentivizing digital adoption. He further suggested that a transparent and efficient refund mechanism for advance tax deductions should be established to relieve financial pressure on businesses. He also highlighted the importance of allowing a transition period of at least two to three months for the smooth implementation of any new taxation policy. He said that educational programs and awareness campaigns should be launched to help businesses understand their tax obligations and successfully adapt to digital systems. Both LCCI and PEA agreed on the urgency of the matter and resolved to work collectively to ensure that government policies support the growth of e-commerce, encourage digital innovation and protect the interests of small businesses. The proposal to hold a joint press conference at the LCCI was welcomed by the Chamber, which reaffirmed its role as a bridge between the business community and policymakers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
