RAWALPINDI, DEC 8 /DNA/ – The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has expressed serious concern over recent raids conducted at business centres in the city under the pretext of under-invoicing and low tax payments.

RCCI President Usman Shaukat, while strongly condemning the actions, said that such raids create an atmosphere of fear and send a negative message across the business community. “These actions amount to harassment. Instead of broadening the tax net, the FBR is targeting existing taxpayers, which is counterproductive,” he remarked.

He urged the FBR and all relevant departments to adopt a fair and transparent process, stressing that a formal notice should be issued to traders before any action is taken. He added that RCCI has always supported documentation and lawful tax practices, but arbitrary raids damage trust between businesses and regulatory bodies.

The RCCI called for an immediate halt to such practices and emphasized the need for constructive engagement to improve the tax system.