LAHORE: The verdict of the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case evoked mixed response from several trade organisations in the city as few of them hailed the decision while others were not happy with it.
Talking to Daily Times, All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran President Khalid Pervaiz appreciated the decision of the apex court and said that the verdict would have far reaching impact on business activities in days to come. He criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government for what he said that that the incumbent government had destroyed business activities in the country by imposing 6% withholding tax. Khalid said that businessmen were facing several problems due to non-friendly attitude of the government. He said that rulers themselves were not paying taxes and the general public was bearing the brunt of it. He added that those who were not paying taxes would have to face the music after the verdict of the apex court.
On the contrary, Liberty Market Traders Association General Secretary Gabriel Qamar Butt told Daily Times that the business community was unhappy with the decision. He, however, demanded the removal of 6% withholding tax on transactions. Butt said that the business activities would prosper under the PML-N government.
Pakistan Traders Front Chairman Raja Hassan Akhtar said that traders were happy with the decision of the apex court, which would mark the beginning of holding the elite accountable.
Qaumi Tajar Ittehad Chairman Ansar Zahoor Butt showed satisfaction over the decision, saying that foreign investors were reluctant to invest in Pakistan due to some bad policies of the government. He said that the decision would increase the confidence of the business community in the judiciary.
Published in Daily Times, July 29th , 2017.
