8.5% tax-to-GDP ratio is unsustainable: Ishaq Dar

Finance Minister says tax-to-GDP ratio of 13 to 14 percent would be a “win-win situation for Pakistan”.


Web Desk March 13, 2014
Express News screengrab of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar speaking with a gathering of Income Tax Commissioners on Thursday.

ISLAMABAD: The current 8.5% tax to GDP ratio is unsustainable, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said while speaking to a gathering of Income Tax Commissioners on Thursday afternoon.

He said a tax to GDP ratio of 13 to 14 percent would be a “win-win situation for Pakistan”, and that this should be the target of the present government’s tenure.

He also highlighted extraction of natural resources as an economic goal. He said that petroleum production is expected to be at 30%, adding that according to recent estimates the country had 30 trillion cubic feet of gas, which has been left neglected.

In his address, the finance minister also emphasised the importance of  transparency, merit, good governance and zero tolerance to corruption.

COMMENTS (2)

ishrat salim | 10 years ago | Reply

Dar Sb...whatever committee etc; is formed,ultimately strong , unflinching political will is needed to raise tax base, if this country has to move forward.

Anserali | 10 years ago | Reply

Dar saheb: we fully agree with you. Formation of Tax Advisory Council is a very good step and it has some very well respected professionals on it.Let us hope they come out with some good recommendations.BUT the government has to show political will to tax

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