LCCI terms FBR's tax target achievement a shared success

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jul, 2026) Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Wednesday congratulated the Federal board of Revenue (FBR) on achieving its tax collection target, describing it as a positive development for the country's economy and public finances. The Chamber said the achievement reflects not only the efforts of the tax authorities but also the unwavering commitment of Pakistan's business community, industrialists, exporters and other taxpayers who continued to meet their tax obligations despite one of the most difficult business environments in recent years.

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that every rupee collected by the FBR ultimately comes from productive economic activity. "The business community is the principal contributor to the national exchequer. Industries have continued paying taxes despite high energy tariffs, elevated financing costs, inflationary pressures and declining purchasing power. Their contribution deserves appreciation as well as meaningful policy support."

He said the successful achievement of the tax target should be treated as a reminder that sustainable revenue generation depends on a healthy and expanding industrial base. "One cannot expect industries to generate more revenue for the country while simultaneously creating uncertainty for them," he remarked.

Saigol expressed concern that while industries are making significant contributions to national revenues, many manufacturing units in Lahore are facing sealing operations, relocation notices and legal action by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Such actions send conflicting signals to investors and manufacturers, he argued. "On one hand, higher tax revenues, greater exports and increased industrial investment are expected, while on the other hand, productive enterprises are being asked to relocate without any developed industrial zones or adequate infrastructure.

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He said, Lahore Chamber fully supports environmental protection, planned urban development and regulatory compliance, but emphasized that industrial relocation cannot succeed without first creating fully serviced industrial estates.

He mentioned, the industries are expected to relocate when no new industrial zones with essential utilities, road networks, gas, electricity and wastewater management systems have been developed for this purpose.

He cautioned that forcing industries to suspend operations or relocate without practical alternatives would not only disrupt production and employment but could also reduce future tax revenues by weakening the very businesses that contribute substantially to the national exchequer.

Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol urged the federal and provincial governments to adopt a facilitative approach towards taxpayers and manufacturers. He called for the immediate suspension of coercive relocation measures until comprehensive alternative industrial zones are developed in consultation with the business community.

He also proposed the establishment of a joint consultative forum comprising representatives of the LCCI, industrial associations and relevant government departments to formulate a practical, phased and business-friendly framework that balances environmental objectives with industrial growth.

The achievement of the tax target demonstrates what the government and the private sector can accomplish together, he said, adding that next step should be to strengthen that partnership by protecting productive industries, encouraging investment and creating an environment where businesses can continue contributing to economic growth, employment and national revenues.