Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Faisalabad Shaukat Mahmood during a meeting at Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) on Wednesday said that Regional Tax Office (RTO) have geared up its efforts to release pending refund claims of textile exporters within the mandatory period as textile exporters are playing key role in strengthening the economy and textile sector is the main stay of national economy. Government is fully committed to solve the financial issues of textile exporters as it has become a major challenge that is not only adversely hurting the industrial activities but also hindering the new investment.

Regional tax office Faisalabad has started processing of refund claims of under Section-66 and all efforts are being made to remove the hurdles in their processing. Majority of long-time pending refund cases had also been resolved; however a large number of claims are still pending. Regarding federal excise duty refunds, chief commissioner assured to clear pending claims within shortest possible time. All refund claims are treated on first come first serve basis in most fair and transparent manner on parameters set by government.

The exporters have been asked to give their suggestions for smooth processing of refund claims and assured that their positive suggestions will be forwarded to FBR for implementation. Replying to a question on the issue of black listing of suppliers, Commissioner said that RTO will share necessary information about the black listed suppliers so that it could be circulated among the members for their convenience. Regarding audit notices to the exporters, they have to follow the law and these notices are routine practice.