Pakistan FM Miftah to withdraw taxes on energy bills amid traders’ protest

Amid strong opposition from small retailers over the collection of taxes through electricity bills, Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has decided to exempt the small traders with bills of less than 150 units from the tax as the community staged protests and refused to pay the taxes on energy bills.

“We will charge Rs 3,000 even to those shopkeepers who are not registered with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The tax paid will be full and final. No tax notice will be issued to shops nor will FBR officers visit their shops,” tweeted the finance minister, adding that the government will ensure that small traders are completely satisfied with the new tax law, reported Geo News.