Exporters object to government incentives for the blue passport

Opponents of the new incentives, which include giving top exporters blue passports, contend that the government ought to put more emphasis on infrastructure development for the growing middle class and fostering the expansion of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

They told that rather than attending to the concerns of the long-ignored “Safaid Posh Tabka,” or middle class, the administration seemed to be more interested in advancing the elite culture that currently rules the nation.

The “Pakistan Honour Card” will be given to 66 winners of tax and export excellence awards in addition to blue passports, as stated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. These individuals are recognized for their contributions with this card.

Sadly, Pakistan seldom has a middle class. Therefore, the government must devise plans to encourage the development of a thriving middle class and the expansion of SMEs, particularly those that are having difficulties because of macroeconomic factors.

Furthermore, the government shouldn’t need to provide incentives to its top exporters and taxpayers. If anything, these incentives need to be used to help the average person who is struggling financially or to target lesser players. Director of Marketing & Quality at Alsons Group Akbar Allana stated, “In my opinion, this is another attempt by the government to reinforce the elite capture that prevails in the country, without providing relief to those who need it the most.”

The president of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), Muhammad Farooq Shaikhani, praised the government’s initiatives but also emphasized the significant obstacles the nation faces in collecting taxes and integrating new businesspeople and industrialists into the tax system. He did, however, voice hope that the business community’s contribution to increasing tax income has been given priority by the government’s recent actions.

He asked the government, considering its efforts to foster industrial progress inside the country, to undertake a thorough assessment of the pricing of gasoline, gas, and electricity. He said that in addition to rendering important businesses less competitive on the international stage, the ongoing monthly price hikes also play a role in the exodus of industries from Pakistan to other nations.

He also criticized the two gas distribution corporations for their incompetence and lack of transparency, which has led to a significant circular debt in the gas industry that currently stands at Rs 2,100 billion. The public and business community unfairly bear this cost through ongoing price increases.