Tag: EPBD

Gohar Ejaz

Gohar Ejaz Hails US Trade Deal as Major Win

Economic Policy & Business Development (EPBD) Chairman Gohar Ejaz termed the trade deal with the United States as a great…

Business
Gohar Ejaz

EPBD Urges Immediate Cut in SBP Policy Rate to 9%

The Economic Policy & Business Development (EPBD) think tank termed the decision of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to…

Business

EPBD Calls for Shift from Debt-Funded Consumption to Growth

Economic Policy & Business Development (EPBD) a think tank, calls for fundamental restructuring of Pakistan's debt utilization, advocating that borrowed…

Business
A leading economic think tank has called on the government to immediately withdraw the Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, warning it threatens Pakistan’s business climate and judicial independence. The Economic Policy and Business Development (EPBD) group said the ordinance, signed by the President on May 2, grants tax authorities sweeping powers that could disrupt cash flows, undermine legal safeguards, and damage investor confidence. The group highlighted three key changes that raised serious concerns: Immediate Tax Recovery: Amendments to the Income Tax Ordinance now allow authorities to demand immediate payment once courts decide cases—removing established legal buffers and stay provisions. On-site Monitoring: A new section permits tax officials to be physically present at business premises for ongoing monitoring, raising fears of operational disruption and privacy invasion. Broader Seizure Powers: Changes to the Federal Excise Act allow any government officer—not just tax officials—to confiscate goods over technical violations, increasing business uncertainty. EPBD said these measures were unjustified, especially as tax compliance had improved despite economic challenges. It warned the ordinance could deter both domestic and foreign investment, reduce economic productivity, and burden businesses with intrusive oversight. The group also raised constitutional concerns, saying the ordinance weakens judicial authority and sets a troubling precedent for governance in Pakistan. EPBD urged the government to withdraw the ordinance, allow parliamentary debate, and engage stakeholders. It also recommended restoring legal safeguards, avoiding blanket monitoring, and focusing on expenditure reforms rather than harsh tax measures.

Think Tank Urges Withdrawal of Tax Ordinance Amid Business Fears

A leading economic think tank has called on the government to immediately withdraw the Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, warning…

Business