Former interim minister Gohar Ejaz said on Thursday that the business community contributed Rs11.7 trillion in taxes this year, marking an increase of Rs2 trillion compared to the previous year.
Expressing his thoughts on Samaa TV programme "Nadeem Malik Live", Ejaz said: "Exporters have been subjected to additional burdens, contributing Rs200 billion in taxes, while salaried individuals paid Rs600 billion."
He stressed the importance of transparency and fairness in taxation processes. "In cases of tax evasion, a representative of the relevant association must be present," he said.
Ejaz commended Chief of Army Staff (GOAS) Field Marshal Gen Syed Asim Munir for listening to the concerns of the business community. He added that no legal action should be initiated against traders unless their official representative is involved in the proceedings.
"The Field Marshal showed respect to the presidents of 18 chambers and the heads of various trade federations," Ejaz added.
