LAHORE: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Bajwa declared that Pakistan was in direct competition for transit trade and not having hegemony, and under the Prime Minister’s vision to transforming Pakistan into a trade and transit hub, it was inevitable to upgrade Customs stations on borders for speedy and efficient clearance of transit goods.
The FBR chairman stated this after hoisting national flag and addressing a ceremony held to celebrate World Customs Day here at Customs House. He informed that the growth rate was below against the set target.
“Pakistan was in a direct competition for transit trade and not for having hegemony, and under the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming Pakistan into a trade and transit corridor, it is need of the hour to develop and upgrade our borders Customs stations to ensure speedy and efficient clearance of transit goods,” the FBR chairman declared categorically.
To a question about ratio of tax evasion, the FBR chairman claimed that the Board had managed to decrease this trend as in the current fiscal year so far, a total of 890,000 taxpayers submitted their tax returns against 711,000 during in the corresponding period of the last financial year.
To another question, Tariq Bajwa stated that Pakistan Customs Chief Collector had visited India recently to improve communication and cooperation as India desired to utilize Wagha Border trade facility to its optimum capacity. However, the role of the Commerce Ministry is of prime importance while the FBR/Customs will facilitate it,” he elaborated.
The FBR chairman said the Board was also focusing on intra and inter-departmental communication and enhanced liaison which was a prerequisite to improve substantially their efficiency and performance.
To a query, Tariq Bajwa said the FBR was working on boosting recovery from the existing tax sectors to enhance revenue collection.
Earlier, addressing the Customs officers, he underscored the need for putting in order effective and stringent measures to curb under invoicing and smuggling, citing that it would definitely help create a breathing space for the local industry.
He said that Customs Department was eminent in the collection of revenues that made the country’s economic indicators healthier and ultimately led to progress and prosperity of the country.
Later, the FBR chairman distributed to appreciation certificates to the Customs officers and officials having shown remarkable performance.
