PM orders expediting action against tax evaders

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while chairing a meeting to review overall economic situation, directed the authorities concerned here on Monday to expedite action against tax evaders.

He said national progress was possible only when everyone fulfils his responsibility, adding that the country was moving toward economic stability. He said the tax evaders and their abettors would not go unpunished, and brought to justice at any cost, a statement issued by the PM media wing said.

Highlighting the government’s major economic achievements so far, he said that the bullish trend in stock market and reduced inflation rate from 38 per cent to 7 per cent. He said the interest rate was lowered from 22pc to 15pc, which would spur business activities and create jobs opportunities in the country.

The PM received a briefing from the finance ministry regarding the country’s economy and the meeting with the IMF delegation. He stressed that public relief should be accorded priority and the government was taking all possible measures to fulfil public promises.

The meeting was attended by ministers including Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Dr Musadik Malik, Ali Pervaiz Malik, PM’s coordinator Rana Ahsan Afzal and relevant senior officials.

PM Sharif further observed that due to surge in exports and record remittances, country’s foreign reserves had increased. He also praised the Punjab chief minister and the provincial government for reforms in the agriculture sector.