ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that the efforts were underway to promote tax culture in the country, adding that the government’s policies would bring long-term stability in the country.
Addressing the sales and income tax refund cheques distributing ceremony in Islamabad, he said that the country was facing $19 billion current account deficit when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) came into power but today Pakistan’s current account turned into a surplus.
The PM noted that the local currency was stabilising while the stock market was also flourishing, saying that the increasing confidence of investors was welcoming.
Imran Khan said that China managed to lift millions living under the poverty line owing to its long-term policy, adding that “not only India but Bangladesh has also left us behind in GDP growth”.
“No one has ever stressed over long-term policy in Pakistan but the PTI government is devising it to bring economic stability in the country,” he said. “We have gone through a very difficult period where we had to bring stability. Now you will see our long term policies on trade, investment, different textile, e-commerce and various other areas.”
He said that the government was employing all its efforts in supporting and promoting the business community, specifically to promote industrialisation.
The premier said that the country cannot run without taxes and the business community should pay taxes otherwise Pakistan won’t be able to compete in the world.
“Raising the living standard of the poor people is only possible through tax collection,” PM Imran said, adding that China was an example for Pakistan, as their policies have vision, clarity and certainty.
The prime minister said, “Those who think that the country will work without payment of taxes, let me tell you, this might be possible in fairy tales but not in real life. The reason why Pakistan’s human development index is going down is because we don’t invest in our human resources.”
