NBR officials withdraw complete shutdown programme
The protesting officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) moments ago withdrew their complete shutdown programme, including the suspension of export and import activities, following assurances from the government.
The NBR Reform Unity Council said in a statement that it has withdrawn the work stoppage programme that was scheduled to begin tomorrow.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "However, our second demand—namely, the immediate removal of the current chairman of the National Board of Revenue—remains unfulfilled. We hope the government will soon take a positive decision in favour of this demand."
It is to be noted that, as part of this ongoing movement, the previously declared continuous non-cooperation programme with the NBR chairman will continue as planned, the statement read.
Earlier, the officials announced the complete shutdown, halting export and import services unless their four-point demands—including the repeal of the revenue ordinance—were met.
The protesters announced the programme on the ninth day of protests against the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, which seeks to dissolve the NBR.
The ordinance proposes forming two separate divisions—one for tax policy and the other for revenue collection—which the government says is intended to prevent conflicts of interest between policymaking and implementation.
NBR officials claim the provisions are discriminatory.
The demonstrations resumed late last week after negotiations between the officials and the government failed.
The ongoing protest has been disrupting imports, tax-related activities, and revenue collection, raising concerns about the NBR's ability to meet its fiscal year targets.
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