ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in enhancing bilateral trade, investment, people-to-people exchanges, and connectivity with Kazakhstan. He highlighted the importance of strengthening links through air, rail and road.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Murat Nurtleu, who paid an official visit to Pakistan accompanied by a ministerial delegation. This is Nurtleu’s first two-day visit to the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Pakistan and Kazakhstan as enjoying strong fraternal relations. He noted the mutual desire on both sides to deepen bilateral cooperation across multiple shared areas of interest.
Both sides have been engaged in regular discussions over the past several months. Key MoUs and agreements are expected to be signed during the Kazakh president’s visit later this year.
Deputy Prime Minister Murat Nurtleu briefed the prime minister on his detailed discussions with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, earlier in the day.
In another meeting the prime minister directed FBR to tackle tax evasion and honour the taxpayers. Chairing the meeting to review reforms within the FBR, the prime minister called for creating a business-friendly environment and providing all possible facilities to taxpayers. He also instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to utilise its existing workforce and engage the private sector to identify tax-evading individuals and companies.
He described regular taxpayers as the backbone of the national economy. Shehbaz Sharif instructed the FBR to swiftly complete the Income Tax and Sales Taxpayers’ Directory. Shehbaz Sharif further instructed the FBR to select top international auditors for third-party reviews of mis-declaration and under-invoicing in customs clearance. The meeting was also informed that super auditors had been appointed to thoroughly review customs clearance and the risk management system.