KARACHI: The Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association (PYMA) has unequivocally rejected the inclusion of Articles 37-A and 37-B in the Sales Tax Act as outlined in the recent Finance Bill. In a formal appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and FBR Chairman Rashid Mehmood Langrial, PYMA has called for the immediate withdrawal of these contentious provisions, which have raised significant concerns within the business community.

Muhammad Saqib Goodluck, the chairman of PYMA, strongly criticized the new measures, labeling them as "BLACK LAWS" that could lead to harassment and undue pressure on legitimate businesses. He argued that granting excessive authority to FBR officials through these articles is unjust and detrimental to business interests.

"If the government truly wants to enhance tax revenues, it should foster a supportive environment that encourages business growth, not one that breeds fear and mistrust," Saqib Goodluck stated. He emphasized that thriving businesses contribute more to the national exchequer, whereas policies that stifle entrepreneurship will only reduce the tax base and harm the economy.

Goodluck further expressed concern that these laws treat business owners like suspects rather than law-abiding citizens. He warned that actions based solely on suspicion undermine the principles of fairness and justice.

The PYMA chief urged the government to shift its focus and adopt policies aimed at economic growth and ease of doing business. "Such steps will ensure the sustainability of industries, create employment, and ultimately strengthen the national economy," he concluded.