Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the crucial role of taxpayers in the country's development, acknowledging their contributions to increasing exports and addressing economic challenges.
Addressing the Tax Excellence Awards 2024 ceremony in Islamabad, taxpayers were architects of Pakistan, as they helped increase exports. "We have to work together to solve the country's economic conditions and challenges. The federation has to solve the problems together with the provinces," the PM resolved, stressing that the red-tape has to be done away with.
Shehbaz further said that the voice of a nation is heard only when its economy is strong. "If the economy is weak, no one listens to the voice of the weak," she stressed, adding that the decision-making process has to be accelerated.
The premier also announced that the restructuring of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will start from the next month, adding that the production of electricity with expensive oil must be stopped.
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"Even if we don't take a begging bowl, they say a bowl is lying next to them," the PM lamented, stressing the need to introspect instead of celebrating. Furthermore, Shehbaz highlighted the importance of addressing Pakistan's debt burden, stating that salaries were currently being paid through loans.
He also stressed the necessity of another IMF program for the country's survival and emphasized the government's responsibility to create business opportunities.
"We cannot survive without a new IMF program. Moreover, Pakistan has excellent relations with China, and we have even entered the second phase of CPEC," he remarked.
PM Sharif also announced plans to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and introduced initiatives to incentivize taxpayers, such as issuing tax cards and awarding blue passports to high taxpayers.
"Mian Mansha paid the highest tax of Rs26 billion. Blue passports will be issued to high taxpayers, while the government will issue tax cards also. Big taxpayers will get the status of honorary ambassadors of Pakistan," the PM announced.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza, labelling them as "the worst barbarity" witnessed. He expressed shock at the situation in Gaza and highlighted the global condemnation of Israel's actions. Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgency of implementing a ceasefire resolution in Gaza and pledged to continue advocating for an independent Palestinian state.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb echoed the prime minister's sentiments, emphasizing the crucial role of direct taxes and the export sector in the country's development.
He highlighted the importance of digitization in the tax system to increase revenues and ensure transparency. Aurangzeb also pledged measures to enhance production capacity and boost exports for economic growth.
