ISLAMABAD: Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar Thursday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had recommended expanding the tax net, controlling electricity theft and ensuring good governance to save the resources.
Addressing a press conference here, he said people were earning millions of rupees, but paying no income tax, adding that it was injustice to put more burden on those who were already paying taxes.
The minister said that amendments to the law was a good initiative and now practical steps were required to steer the country out of financial crisis.
The minister said that as per the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it was top priority of the government to introduce reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to address economic crisis. The PM is leading the reform process, he added.
The minister highlighted that currently, tax cases pertaining to recovery of more than Rs2,700 billion were pending in courts, which should be concluded early.
The parliament, he said, for the first time had legislated on tax tribunals in order to not only expedite the process but also make it efficient.
Under the law, cases of Rs20 million will go to the commissioner, while the cases above this amount will go to the tribunal, he added.
Azam Tarar said some postings and transfers had been made in the FBR and more were expected in the coming days with strict adherence to merit.
Competent officers with good repute were being brought in so the policies would be implemented efficiently, he said, adding that changes were not being made to declare anyone corrupt. He said transfers would also be made in Customs offices to streamline the system and its effects would also go to the lower level.
The PM, he said, was committed to revival of economy and had given a full liberty to the FBR to perform well.
Addressing the press conference, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said the recent visit of PM Shehbaz Sharif to Saudi Arabia remained quite successful. He said the PM held 12 meetings with the Saudi ministers and entities of different financial institutions focusing on economic revival and bringing foreign investment in Pakistan.
He said during those meetings, the Saudi ministers and businesspeople expressed their commitment to work with Pakistan.
Attaullah Tarar said the PM met the Saudi crown prince twice within one month, which was a significant development. He said a high powered Saudi delegation comprising businessmen and investors would be visiting Pakistan in few days to hold talks on a comprehensive roadmap for economic revival of Pakistan.
He said the roadmap had been designed on special directives of Saudi crown prince to the Saudi ministers during meetings with Pakistani leadership which would open up a new avenue of Pak-Saudi cordial bilateral relations.
The minister said a campaign regarding online harassment and fake news had been witnessed on social media. He said the government was to seek suggestions to protect digital rights and stop online harassment. He said prevention of propaganda and rumours on social media was also essential.
Replying to a question, the minister said freedom of expression should be protected, but it should not cross limits of decency.