ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has said that the government has increased tax net up to 33 per cent.
He, while talking to a private news channel, said that steps are being taken to make Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tax-friendly in order to encourage the masses for paying their taxes. However, he said that there is a dire need of tax reforms in the system to make it more effective.
The minister said that around 14,000MW electricity would be added to national grid by 2018 and several power projects have also been launched including Dasu, Neelam-Jehlum, Basha-Diamer and up-gradation of Tarbeela Dam.
The minister said inflation had come down due to the prudent policies of the government, besides an increase in foreign reserves.
Ishaq Dar stressed the need for segregating politics from economy, and added economy ought to be the central point of politics. He said the international community now has a positive perception about Pakistan since its economy was improving. He said oil prices were lower as compared to India and other neighbouring countries.
Replying to a question, he said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had taken major national decisions in consultation with all political parties to further strengthen democratic process in the country. He urged that every citizen should work for the country’s welfare, progress and prosperity. Ishaq Dar said visit of Prime Minister to United States was positive and productive in enhancing bilateral relations, especially in trade sector.
