Taxpayers increase by over 45,000 in Punjab

Minister insists govt taking initiatives to build trust between taxpayers and govt

LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha has said that the number of taxpayers has increased in the province with an estimated 45,000 to 46,000 more people contributing their share of taxes, which is a positive step forward to meet the revenue goals.

“The number of taxpayers could be multiplied further provided that universities raise awareness to encourage people to file tax returns and formally get registered with the tax net,” Pasha said.

She was addressing the audience at a pre-budget conference titled “Tax reforms in Pakistan” organised by the School of Commerce and Accountancy at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore on Tuesday.

“We need to change our perception of tax and budget by keeping in mind that more the people pay taxes, the better would be the lifestyle and facilities,” she remarked.

“When the number of taxpayers expands, every budget, whether provincial or federal, turns out to be more attractive, more meaningful and public-friendly.”

Shedding light on Punjab government’s policies, Pasha said the government was undertaking many initiatives to restore trust between taxpayers and the government.

She emphasised that the government wanted to provide maximum opportunities for health, education and other basic facilities, but added it was also the responsibility of every citizen to change his traditional way of thinking about tax payments and the gross domestic product (GDP). Speaking at the conference, UMT Director General Abid HK Shirwani said educational institutions, in collaboration with chambers of commerce and industry and other professional bodies, could help the government to increase the number of taxpayers and sensibly prepare the budget.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th, 2018.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.