Industry awaits SRO on 18% cotton import tax
The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to immediately issue a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) for imposing 18% general sales tax (GST) on imported cotton, as outlined in the Finance Bill 2025. In a statement, the PBF emphasised that despite clear announcement in the federal budget to tax the imported cotton, its implementation was pending due to the absence of the required SRO. "More than three weeks have passed since approval of the budget, yet the delay continues without any justifiable reason." According to the PBF, credible reports indicate that certain influential interest groups are obstructing the issuance of the SRO. "The government must ensure transparency and move forward in the interest of local cotton growers and the economy," said PBF Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad.