ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has asked Federal Board of Revenue to give maximum facilities to the taxpayers.
The minister, chairing a meeting regarding budget recommendations, said efforts should be made for further growth in revenue, which is key component of the overall inclusive growth strategy. He expressed satisfaction over the state of revenue collection in the current fiscal year.
Dar directed that proposals for budget 2016-17 should be formulated keeping in view government’s objective of higher growth, which will help generate more employment opportunities.
Secretary Finance Dr Waqar Masood Khan briefed the meeting about the progress of ongoing reforms, especially measures taken to facilitate the deprived segments through the Income Support Program. He also briefed the meeting on proposed measures to be taken in the upcoming budget to enhance financial inclusion of people in the underserved areas.
FBR Chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan informed the meeting that in line with finance minister’s instructions passed last week, the FBR officials have held meetings with different stakeholders including traders organizations, chambers of commerce and industries, professionals and experts, having discussion over budget proposals.
Useful inputs have been sought from them and would be thoroughly perused before budget proposals are finalised, the meeting was apprised.
Meanwhile, the finance minister has said that the government has brought down the budget deficit from 8.8 per cent to around 4.3 per cent through better fiscal management. He was chairing the review meeting regarding the progress on reforms related to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Dar said that the tax net is being expanded and revenue growth has touched 19% this year. He said the international credit agencies have improved their ratings for Pakistan and “we have come a long way on the road to macro-economic stability and now on the path to sustainable and inclusive growth.”
Special Assistant to Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan was also present on the occasion.
