ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the existing taxation system “unjust” and called for its reformation in order to achieve durable economic progress.
Chairing a meeting to discuss issues pertaining to revenue collection, the prime minister said that the taxation system in vogue could in no way support the national economy.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Minister of State for Revenue Hamad Azhar, Special Assistant to PM Naeemul Haq and chairmen of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) NADRA.
The meeting discussed various proposals to increase the revenue and tax base, develop tax collection on modern lines, use of technology and bringing about reforms in FBR.
The prime minister said under the prevailing system, the poor had to pay taxes more than their financial capacity. He called for bringing the non-taxpayers under the tax net.
The PM said reformation of the taxation system and enhancement in the tax base were part of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s manifesto.
He also advocated the reforms in FBR to revive the trust of taxpayers in the taxation system.
Last week, Prime Minister Imran Khan had warned that if the tax collection authority cannot be fixed, he will create a new one.
“Reforming FBR is essential. Until that is done, we will not be able to meet our expenses,” the prime minister had said in an address to the 11th All-Pakistan Chambers President Conference in Islamabad. “This is why we will try our best (to fix) FBR and I assure you (the business community) that I’ve been constantly having discussions and meetings with Abdul Razzaq Dawood and Asad Umar on how to generate revenue and make FBR a business-friendly institute.”
The PM had stated that no nation that relies on loans can maintain its pride and independence.
