Latest news with #SarhadChamberofCommerceandIndustry
Business Recorder
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
SCCI presents budget proposals for FY 2025-26
PESHAWAR: Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented its budget proposals for the fiscal year 2025-26. In the budget proposals, the SCCI urged the government to rationalize taxes by making reduction in their ratio at optimal level, broadening tax-base and refraining from imposition of new taxes. SCCI also sought reduction in duties on import of raw material/items and pragmatic steps for simplifying the existing taxation system. It emphasized that the government should announce a special budget for the development of small and medium industry. The budget proposals said soft loans should be provided to SMEs, especially start-up businesses, women entrepreneurs so that they will also equally contribute to the economic growth and development of the country. The chamber demanded that a special fiscal relief package and tax cessions for next five years should be announced for war-torn Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Budget is a true reflection of the government policies, which should be made people as well as business-friendly, says Fazal Moqeem Khan, president of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry while talking to this scribe here on Tuesday. He said that the budget coming at the time of economic take-off will set the roadmap for the future and added that there is need to build a sustainable basis for reducing electricity prices. The SCCI chief urged the government to take new policy measures aimed at promoting the documented economy that would help improve the tax revenue collection and achieve sustainable growth. Emphasizing on elimination of unregistered and illegal business/ trade as highly beneficial for the national economy, he said it is necessary that the informal economy sector should bring in formal economy. Fazal Moqeem emphasized the need for reduction in electricity, gas tariff and urged the government to focus on renewable energy in a bid to significantly reduce the cost of production and pave the way for rapid revival of the economy. Talking about the solar policy, he said that the policy should be prepared in a way that it covers the interest of both the government and consumers. He sought repealing all agreements with IPPs. Coordinated implementation of policies through SIFC and measures in the budget are essential, SCCI chief stressed. Fazal Moqeem Khan while addressing pre-budget session in Peshawar University asserted the industrial sector needs to be further promoted. He highly backed privatizing loss-making State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), stating that it can provide long-term stability to the government's financial and budgetary position. Regarding the agricultural sector, SCCI chief said it is the backbone of Pakistan's economy and suggested that the government should take maximum steps in the budget to facilitate farmers. Sustainable water use system, construction of new water storages should be a priority, he added. About the construction sector the president suggested that a special package should be announced in the budget for the revival of the construction sector. Fazal Moqeem emphasized that tariff policy should be made to discourage imports and promote local products. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Peshawar unites against Indian aggression
In a powerful display of patriotism and unity, residents of Peshawar took to the streets to protest against Indian aggression, chanting slogans in support of the Pakistan army and pledging to stand firmly alongside the armed forces in defense of the nation. Traders, industrialists, civil society members, and local residents participated in multiple rallies, strongly denouncing the unprovoked attacks by Indian forces. The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) organized a solidarity rally at the Chamber House to express unwavering support for the government and the armed forces. The event was led by SCCI President Fazal Muqeem Khan, along with Senior Vice President Abdul Jaleel Jan, former presidents Haji Muhammad Afzal and Malik Niaz Ahmad, members of the executive committee, and other stakeholders. Addressing the gathering, speakers emphasized that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and its desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness. They highlighted the unity of the Pakistani nation in defending the country's ideological and geographical frontiers, and praised the Pakistan armed forces for their bravery in shooting down Indian aircraft, calling it a remarkable feat of courage. "We must unite to build a stronger, greater Pakistan," the speakers said. "Let us show the world that we are a courageous and dignified nation, always ready to defend our motherland against any hostile designs." In Hayatabad, traders and property dealers also held a solidarity rally led by former Nazim Siraj-ul-Haq Yousafzai. Participants included government employees, businessmen, students, and property dealers. The rally began at the PDA Building and concluded at a central junction. In his address, Yousafzai warned that any hostile move by the enemy would be met with a decisive and strong response. He reaffirmed the unwavering support of Hayatabad's citizens and business community for the Pakistan army. Separately, the Pasban-e-Pakistan Organization organized a protest in front of the Peshawar Press Club, led by its central president, Qari Musahib Gul Mohib. Addressing the rally, speakers said the nation is united and resolute in the face of aggression. "Our message to the enemy is clear: we are united on all fronts and will show no weakness. Defending Pakistan is our collective duty, and upholding the flag of our nation is our highest priority," they declared.
Express Tribune
30-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Coordination between government, businessmen urged
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Fazal Moqeem Khan has said the government needed to meet tax targets and enhance revenue which could only be achieved through the collection of various taxes by the business community. Moqeem, in a press statement issued on Saturday, said hurting business and trade was tantamount to inflicting losses on the economy. Therefore, he emphasized, the government should take collective initiatives and resolve all issues through proper consultations and mutual consensus. The SCCI chief mentioned that action had been taken against a restaurant yesterday which was an attempt to discourage investors and the business community, and urged that steps damaging business and economic activities be avoided. He stressed that it was a dire need of the hour that the government understand the current economic conditions and prevailing circumstances, and emphasized the need for building consensus between both sides on the issue. Under the collective approach, the government must take the business community into confidence through positive collaboration, the SCCI chief added. He went on to say that, instead of adopting harsh measures, strict implementation, and the closure of businesses and economic activities, the government should provide a relocation chance to the business community. He added that the chamber, business community and stakeholders should be consulted before taking any such initiatives to prevent creating a gulf between government, institutions and business community so that they can continue to play a role in economic development through the payment of various taxes. The SCCI chief demanded that the government officials who had issued the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the establishment of the restaurant 25 years ago be brought to justice.
