Balochistan to revamp revenue department

Initiative aims to boost revenue, promote tax culture

QUETTA:

The Balochistan government will revamp its revenue department in order to boost revenue generation and encourage a culture of taxation in the province, Caretaker Minister for Revenue and Finance, Amjad Rasheed, has announced.

In a press statement, he emphasized the government’s dedication to eradicating corruption and irregularities within the department, with a view to implementing sustainable reforms that enhance revenue collection for the provincial government.

Notably, these reforms aim to benefit taxpayers and introduce transparency to the system. Furthermore, Rasheed mentioned that the provincial government is intensifying efforts to increase tax collection from the real estate and rental sectors.

He also pointed out that the apex committee has resolved to take action against land mafias and encroachers, assuring that no influential individuals will receive special treatment during this operation. The minister emphasized that the actions taken by the commissioner of Quetta division and the deputy commissioner against corrupt employees are in full compliance with established rules and regulations, and no exemptions will be granted to those involved in illegal activities and corruption.

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He expressed his bewilderment over the strike staged by a few officials from the revenue department, asserting that no obstacles to the reform process will be tolerated.

The Balochistan government remains committed to dealing decisively with officials engaged in corruption and irregularities.

Moreover, he stressed the importance of promoting a skill development program and maintaining financial discipline in various institutions to foster prosperity in Balochistan. He highlighted the province’s rich endowment of natural and mineral resources, emphasizing the urgent need to extend skill development programs to the younger generation, especially those in remote areas of the province.

Rasheed also pointed out the potential for irrigation in a significant portion of the province through proper planning and systems, with the completion of the Mirani Dam benefiting the Makran Division.

Regarding the recent visit of the caretaker prime minister to Quetta and discussions on development projects, he underscored the importance of focusing on sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and mineral and natural resources to achieve high growth rates in the region.

When asked about the skilled labor force, he emphasized the need to provide young people with skill training, particularly in information technology, to prepare them for job opportunities in Gulf, Korean, and Middle Eastern countries, which can contribute to Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings.

In a separate development, Balochistan’s Caretaker Information Minister, Jan Achakzai, announced the successful negotiations between the Balochistan government and Zamindar Kisan Etihad Pakistan (ZKEP), leading to the cancellation of protests scheduled for October 18.

Achakzai disclosed that the Balochistan government would provide a subsidy of Rs1 billion to landowners to assist them in paying their electricity bills and restoring their power connections.