ByLahore, Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to take decisive action against tax evaders, emphasizing the need to bring them into the tax net and enforce strict penalties for non-compliance. The instructions were issued during a review meeting on revenue enhancement strategies held on Saturday.
The Prime Minister stressed the critical role of technology in boosting the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) performance, highlighting video analytics as a transformative tool. He pointed out that implementing this technology in the sugar industry could significantly enhance revenue collection, curb hoarding, and stabilize sugar prices. He also called for consistent monitoring of sugar stocks to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain and affordability for the public.
The premier ordered an uncompromising crackdown on tax evasion and underreporting by sugar mills. He asserted that the ongoing digitization of the FBR’s processes would bring substantial financial gains to the national treasury. Furthermore, he instructed authorities to expedite the digitization of the FBR’s value chain and extend video analytics to the cement and tobacco industries to further improve transparency and revenue collection.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, and Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik.
Government Policies Drive Economic Progress
Separately, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar addressed a public gathering in Lahore, highlighting the government’s economic achievements. He stated that Pakistan’s economy is showing positive trends, with rising exports, growing foreign exchange reserves, and record-breaking performance in the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which recently crossed the 100,000-point mark.
Tarar also noted a reduction in inflation, now at four percent, and a decline in interest rates, adding that foreign investors are showing increased confidence in Pakistan’s economic policies. He assured the public that the government is addressing economic challenges and fulfilling its promises.
Commenting on the May 9 violence, the minister revealed that 25 individuals involved in the attacks have been sentenced. He emphasized that all those responsible, including the masterminds, would be held accountable for their actions against the country’s interests.
