Bilawal inaugurates NICVD

Tells Centre to let provinces collect more taxes beyond GST

KARACHI:

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed OPD block at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), built under the Sindh government.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bilawal said Sindh had proven after the 18th Constitutional Amendment that the province can manage public healthcare far better than the federal government. He once again underlined the need for tax reforms, calling for greater devolution of taxation powers so that provinces can collect more revenue at the grassroots level.

Bilawal said the federal government faces a financial crisis because the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other federal institutions are failing to fulfil their responsibilities.

According to a press release issued by the Bilawal House Media Cell, CM Murad Ali Shah and Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho accompanied the PPP chairman during the inauguration. The new OPD block will expand patient capacity and enhance services at the main hospital of what has become the world's largest free cardiac treatment network.

Addressing the ceremony, Bilawal acknowledged NICVD's central role in delivering free cardiac treatment to millions, praising its doctors, paramedics and administration for their contribution.

Tax Collection

Bilawal criticised a former prime minister who, he said, went "from city to city claiming that the federation was bankrupt because of the funds given to provinces." He added that some current federal ministers still believe that powers and resources devolved to provinces should be taken back.

He argued that the federation's financial challenges can be addressed more effectively through improved tax collection. Bilawal said the provinces have outperformed the federal government in tax collection and that Sindh broke federal records after taking over the collection of General Sales Tax on Services (GSTS) following the 18th Amendment. He added that Balochistan and K-P have also surpassed the federal government in GST collection.

Bilawal proposed that provinces be allowed to collect additional taxes beyond GST, saying: "We, the provinces, are ready to collect taxes on behalf of the federation. If the federal government gives us a target, we will meet it and deposit all the money with the centre so it can meet its financial needs."

He offered that if a province fails to meet the FBR's assigned target, it should compensate the federation from its own share. Conversely, if provinces exceed federal targets, the additional funds should be returned to them so they can invest more in public welfare.