FPCCI, LCCI Urge Government to Extend Tax Return Filing Deadline

By Staff Reporter Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have jointly urged the government to extend the deadline for filing income tax returns by at least one month to provide relief to the business community amid ongoing economic challenges.

During a meeting at the Lahore Chamber, FPCCI Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Magoon and LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol emphasized that the extension would enable traders to file returns without undue pressure and maintain continuity in business activities.

Saigol, in his welcome address, highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector in national development and reiterated that facilitating the business community is essential for economic stability.
Magoon praised Saigol as a “sincere and popular leader” of the business community and underscored the need to rationalize energy tariffs to promote export growth. “Unless energy prices are brought in line with regional competitors, Pakistan cannot achieve sustainable export expansion,” he stated.

He further called for a comprehensive review of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to ensure they safeguard Pakistan’s industrial and trade interests, enabling local industries to compete effectively in global markets.

The FPCCI Vice President stressed that economic policymaking must include trader representation to produce sustainable outcomes. He also commended the Lahore Chamber’s proactive efforts in highlighting the concerns of the business community.

Saigol reiterated that the Lahore Chamber maintains close coordination with ministries and departments to address taxation, energy, import, and industrial policy issues. “The private sector is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy,” he said, urging the inclusion of private-sector representatives in policy formulation.

Both leaders agreed to further strengthen coordination between FPCCI and LCCI to protect and promote the interests of the business community.