SCCI demands prompt steps to resolve business community issues

PESHAWAR: Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Fazal Moqeem Khan demanded uninterrupted electricity, gas supply to businesses and industries, abolishment of 2 percent provincial cess on export and elimination of double/unjust taxes forthwith.
He made these demands during a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Capt (retired) Sarmad Saleem Ikram at the DC office while leading a delegation of an 85-members delegation of businessmen.
The delegation consisted on SCCI’ senior vice president Abdul Jalil Jan, vice president Shehryar Khan, former president of the chamber Haji Muhammad Afzal, executive committee members Junaid Altaf, Hassan Zahideen, Abbas Fuad Azeem, Aftab Iqbal, Nadeem Rauf, former senior vice president Imran Khan Mohmand, Affaf Ali Khan, Syed Ejaz Ali Shah, along with a large number traders and shopkeepers attached with various businesses.
Traders apprehensions regarding unannounced electricity, gas loadshedding, imposition of 2 percent provincial cess on export, enforcement of entry and out tax on goods laden vehicles, collection of property and warehouses taxes by Excise and taxation department, traffic congestion and mushroom growth of car parking lots in city, difficult in entry of 40-feet long container in industrialist estate Hayatabad owing to closure of roads were conveyed in the meeting.
The meeting was also attended by Senior Superintendent of Police, operations, Kashif Zulfiqar and relevant officials/officers of the town committee.
Fazal Moqeem emphasized pragmatic steps for prompt resolution of all issues.
He said the business community wanted to pay all taxes but unjust and additional taxes are unacceptable.
The Deputy Commissioner listened to the traders all problems keenly and assured their quick resolution by effectively taking up with relevant authorities.
Senior officials said the government and administration are taking proactive measures for ease of doing business.
He, however, stressed the need for regular meetings and coordination/liaison between administration and the business community to promptly resolve all problems.
Earlier, a meeting between SCCI Fazal Moqeem and Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Sarmad Saleem was also held regarding traffic congestion and growing parking lots and other related issues in the city, which was also attended by traffic officials.
The meeting informed that a comprehensive roadmap would be implemented soon to address traffic issues in the city.