19th August, 2020

PRESS RELEASE
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) issued the following Press Release.

APTMA appreciates FBR for accelerating payments of Tax Refunds

A delegation of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) called on Dr Muhammad
Ashfaq Ahmed, Member Inland Revenue Operations of the Federal Board of Revenue and
discussed in detail the issues pertaining to the release of Sales Tax refunds in seventy-
two hours, removing irritants of the Annexure-H, issuance of Income Tax exemption on
electricity bills, delay in Income Tax refunds and other irritants faced by export oriented
industries.
APTMA delegation comprised of Mr. Raza Baqir and Mr. Shahid Sattar while the Member
Inland Revenue Operations was assisted by concerned chiefs and secretaries of the
Board.
Dr Ashfaq reiterated the resolve and commitment of the government for expeditious
payment of tax refunds and removal of all irritants in doing the business. He told APTMA
delegation that release of refund claims has been expedited by the Board and it would
be ensured that all sales tax refunds are paid within 72 hours. He said all the systematic
issues relating to Annexure H would be removed within a week which will facilitate
exporters in filing of refund claims. He added that Annexure-H would be simplified to
facilitate the taxpayers. According to him, the trial test of the changes made in software
of Annexure-H is underway and it would be implemented shortly.
He said the Board was also releasing the outstanding and deferred refund claims of the
exporters on war-footing basis.
Furthermore, he urged the APTMA delegation to convey all member mills to file their
Income Tax refunds at the earliest for speedy clearance.
He also said the taxpayers should lodge complaints against the harassment by the tax
collectors, especially if someone is demanding bribery to clear the stuck-up refunds. He
assured of immediate action against the delinquent functionaries.
APTMA delegation appreciated the efforts made by the Board for early disposal of refund
claims of the export-oriented industry, saying that the member mills were satisfied with
the performance of the tax machinery. The delegation further expressed the hope that
the Board would start clearing refund claims within 72 hours of their filing by the
exporters.
The delegation further expressed the hope the FBR would soon overcome the inherent
loopholes, infirmities and snags in the system and adopt measures to remove all odds
which hamper and retard the system.

Forwarded for favor of publication in your esteemed newspaper / transmission.

DR. AMANULLAH KASSIM MACHIYARA

Chairman
APTMA