ISLAMABAD: The media should develop a close liaison with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in order to understand the technical aspects of the matter before publishing any news story related to its policy and important issues.
This was stated by Strategic Planning, Reforms and Statistics Member Dr. Muhammad Iqbal who has recently been made official spokesperson of FBR by Chairman Nisar Muhammad Khan, while giving an exclusive interview to Customs Today.
Iqbal said that media, which is important part of the society, was always welcome and its constructive criticism will also be considered for the betterment of the department, adding that “I will strive to perform my duties as spokesperson in well manners and bridge the gap between FBR and media.”
He said FBR made all decisions of policy level after proper consideration. He added that media was needed to get aware with the technical aspects of the different policies and issues, which will help them to cover a story professionally.
Hoping a friendly solution, he said that negotiations at committee level were continued between FBR and traders to settle the dust regarding withholding tax on banking transactions and non-filer traders.
In order to strengthen the relation and raise the confidence level among traders, public and FBR will be taken, he said and added it will help to increase the revenue and numbers of tax-filers.
The spokesperson said that “it is the national duty of everyone who earns to pay tax so country could be put on track of economic development.”
The economy of country could be revived but there is dire need that all taxes should be paid honestly, Iqbal said.
The responsibilities of Dr. Muhammad Iqbal as Strategic Planning, Reforms and Statistics member include formulating revenue targets and making strategic planning for their achievements in consultation with all members. Similarly, provision of analysis of data relating to collection of taxes i.e. direct taxes, indirect taxes, customs duty etc. and fiscal updates on revenue generating efforts is also important obligation of his office.
However, as a spokesperson at the FBR, he has been assigned task to interact with media on regular basis as well help the overseas Pakistanis and their families for resolving their tax related matters.
