SCCI calls for elimination of double taxation

PESHAWAR: In its proposals for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Fiscal Budget for 2025-26, Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the provincial government to abolish double taxation, especially property tax and present a business-friendly budget.

The SCCI, in its proposal, called for reduction in ratio of sale tax on services, bringing reforms in trade and business-related institutions, and complete abolishment of provincial Infrastructure Development Cess on export, curtailing tax/fees of property registry and elimination of anti-business actions and make legislation reforms through appropriate amendment

It also emphasised provision of subsidized SME financing through Bank of the Khyber, taking serious note over advance to deposit ratio 0.9 percent advance against 16 percent provincial deposit, calling for pragmatic steps for ease of doing business, gas supply on priority basis to industrial consumers as per granted by constitution.

The chamber asserted the maximised provincial hydel power utilization through early execution of transmission lines and adding 80-85 megawatt electricity into the grid station.Furthermore, it has called for proactive measures for maintenance of law and order and reduction of the heavy burden of various provincial taxes, war-footing initiatives for completion of the northern bypass and Ring Road, underpasses on identified locations in the city.

The chamber called for immediate withdrawal, recently introduced by provincial government Godown Act 2025.The SCCI called for legislation for institutionalizing provincial department-based on the Dispute Resolution Council mechanism with representation of all relevant departments, stakeholders and business community in the forum.