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By Rehan Khan
RAWALPINDI, October 21 (APP):Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President, Usman Shaukat on Tuesday strongly rejected media reports suggesting that the salaried class contributes more taxes than exporters, wholesalers, and retailers, terming such claims misleading and based on incomplete information.
He, in an exclusive talk, clarified that the business community remains the largest contributor to the national exchequer, while nearly 60 percent of Pakistan’s tax revenue comes from indirect taxes, many of which are borne by traders and businesses.
“The report published by some outlets creates a false impression that traders are outside the tax net, which is far from reality,” Shaukat said. “A significant portion of the salaried class is employed in the private sector, and their salaries are paid by exporters, wholesalers, and retailers from their profits. Presenting salaried individuals separately in tax data without context misrepresents the actual structure of tax contributions.”
He said the RCCI has consistently advocated for reducing the tax burden, including on the salaried class, to promote economic activity and broaden the tax base. “Lower tax rates stimulate business growth, which in turn increases revenue through expanded economic activity,” he added.
Citing official data, Shaukat said during the last fiscal year, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected over Rs. 12 trillion in taxes, of which only Rs. 600 billion came from the salaried class. For the current fiscal year 2025–26, the FBR’s revenue target stands at Rs. 14.3 trillion.
“Excluding the salaried segment, the question arises, where does the remaining revenue come from? It is the business community that shoulders the heaviest taxation burden, including super taxes,” he emphasized.
The RCCI president urged policymakers and media professionals to present tax data accurately to avoid misleading narratives that undermine the contribution and credibility of Pakistan’s business sector, which he described as the backbone of the national economy.