Peace, political stability essential for economic progress: Ahsan

LAHORE: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized on Sunday that peace and political stability were essential for economic progress.

Expressing his thoughts, Iqbal recalled Operation Bunyanum Marsoos against Indian aggression, saying, “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos was a great success.” He said, “Pakistan is among the countries with the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio. Our development ambitions are high, but our tax contributions are minimal,” he stated. “We must increase our tax-to-GDP ratio to 16–18 percent.”

Iqbal urged every citizen to pay taxes and called on tax-compliant individuals to act as guardians against tax evasion. He said: “May is a historic month for Pakistan. Our scientists and engineers achieved two major milestones in defence. The nuclear tests on May 28 made us a nuclear power. On May 10, our armed forces humbled India’s pride.”