FAPUASA writes to FBR chief for tax rebate revival

Islamabad:Federation of All Pakistan Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) has now written a letter to Chairperson, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), regarding withdrawal of the 25% tax rebate for full-time teachers and researchers.

In the letter FAPUASA President Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi and General Secretary Dr Muhammad Uzair urged the FBR chief to resolve this matter, stop the deductions immediately and ensure the withdrawal of the FBR’s unjustified letters. They already demanded the Federal Finance Minister for the restoration of the tax rebate. FAPUASA sent copy of the letter to President of Pakistan, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Federal Finance Minister to intervene promptly to resolve this matter and ensure the withdrawal of the FBR’s letters.

This issue caused significant unrest among university faculty across Pakistan, who are already grappling with severe challenges including a lack of funding and delayed salaries in many institutions. Dr Magsi expressing deep concern and disappointment said that these letters, issued in the middle of the fiscal year, are not only illogical but also illegal, as they bypass the decisions of the Parliament merely on the interpretation of their own choice.

Dr Magsi and Dr Uzair reiterated that the retaining of the 25% tax rebate was officially announced during the budget speech on June 28, 2024, and was included in the proceedings of the National Assembly and part of the income tax manuals of 2022, 2023 and 2024 but suddenly the FBR’s unilateral action to overturn this rebate directly contradicts the directives of the National Assembly and undermines the authority of the Parliament.

In the letter, FAPUASA leadership acknowledged the effort of the government and Finance Minister to retain the 25% tax rebate for teachers and researchers in the budget 2024-25 but also highlighted the problems of university teachers. FAPUASA also warned that if this matter remains unresolved, FAPUASA will have no choice but to organise nationwide protests against the FBR’s unilateral actions.