F.P. Report
PESHAWAR: Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Fuad Ishaq termed recent hike by 100 per cent in rents of Auqaf properties was tantamount to economic murder for the traders and threatened to strongly agitate if the decision couldn’t be withdrawn forthwith.
The matter of increase in rents of Auqaf properties was raised by trader leaders Ghulam Bilal Javed and Mian Jee Abu Muzaffar during a meeting with the SCCI’s president Fuad Ishaq here at the chamber house, said in a press release here on Saturday. The meeting was informed about traders’ reservations and apprehension over 100 per cent increase in rents of Auqaf properties.
Fuad Ishaq while speaking on the occasion said instead of providing relief, removing economic owes, the government has adopted a policy to further add to miseries of terrorism and COVID lockdown affected traders’ community. The chamber president said it was reported that the provincial Auqaf department intimidated traders by issuing false statements, which is highly inappropriate, unjust and condemnable.
He said rulers had taken every step for personal interests but government and institutions harassing the business community on pretext of enforcement rules/regulations and policies, asked that this practice should be halted immediately.
The SCCI chief said the government has collected hefty amounts from the business community on the head of various taxes but in return, no relief was provided to them. He noted the business community is highly perturbed owing to the government’s unfriendly behavior and flawed policies and they have no other option but to start protesting against them.
He asked the provincial Auqaf department to withdraw this recent 100 percent hike in rents of properties and capped at a maximum of 25 percent, every three years as per law, if not do so, the SCCI along with traders will take to streets against this discriminatory decision.
Fuad Ishaq criticized that the government was only confined to paperwork and formation of committees, and this has exposed incompetence of all departments concerned, resultantly, miseries of the business community are increasing on a regular basis.
He was of the view that traders have played a pivotal role in the economic development of the country by paying various taxes. Also, he added, the community has provided employment for many people so the government should provide them relief and special incentives and avoid multiplying problems of traders by enforcing unilateral policies.
