AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Karachi: The Chairman of Pakistan Chemicals and Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA), Salim Valimuhammad, has strongly criticized the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the sudden rollout of the e-invoicing system, calling it premature, impractical, and lacking essential groundwork.
In a statement, Salim Valimuhammad said that the FBR has launched the e-invoicing system without conducting any prior training seminars, awareness campaigns, or stakeholder consultations. This, he argued, has left the business community confused and under additional pressure at a time when the country is already grappling with significant economic and environmental challenges.
“We are not against the idea of e-invoicing,” he clarified. “However, the manner in which it is being enforced shows little regard for the ground realities — including widespread flooding, electricity outages, and limited access to digital infrastructure.”
He urged the government to adopt a phased approach to the policy’s implementation, beginning with public limited and multinational companies before extending it to other sectors, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Valimuhammad stressed the need for structured training sessions and proper education of taxpayers regarding the new system. “Most small traders lack computers, software, or the technical expertise to operate digital systems,” he noted. “Imposing such a system without capacity building will only deepen the compliance gap.”
He also criticized the FBR for proceeding without engaging with stakeholders, including PCDMA members who, according to him, are already registered with the income and sales tax departments and regularly fulfill their obligations.
“The abrupt enforcement of e-invoicing is adding undue pressure on an already burdened business community,” he said.
Valimuhammad called on the government to extend the implementation deadline and to first invest in the necessary infrastructure and awareness campaigns. He warned that failure to do so could severely disrupt business operations and further erode trust between the government and the trading sector.