ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Mohammad Ishq Dar met a delegation of the Pakistan Broadcasters Association, APNS and CPNE which among others included Mr. Hamid Haroon, Mr. Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami, Mr. Rehmat Ali Razi, Mr. Arshad Zuberi, Mr. Jamil Ather, Mir Ibrahimur Rehman, Dr. Basit Riaz Sheikh, Mr. Bilal Lakhani and Mr. Naveed Kashif.
The delegation discussed with the Finance Minister, matters regarding imposition of withholding tax on print and electronic media advertising as announced in the budget for the fiscal year 2015-16.
The Federal Minister on the occasion drew attention of the delegation to the challenges faced by the government in broadening and deepening the tax base. He stated that the government had a resolve for bringing the uncovered sectors of economy into the tax net and increasing the burden of tax on non-filers.
The Finance Minister appreciated the PBA, APNS and CPNE’s pledge for cooperation to bring non-filers in the media into the tax net. He said if the large undeclared chunk of advertising business could be taxed, it would greatly help build up the national revenue.
The delegation appreciated efforts of the government aimed at strengthening the economy and generating revenue and assured of their full support. The meeting was attended by Chairman FBR, Tariq Bajwa, senior FBR and Finance Ministry Officials.
Meanwhile. Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishq Dar also met a delegation of the aerated water industry. During the meeting, matters regarding taxation on the aerated water industry were discussed. The delegation requested for withdrawal of the increase in taxation announced in the budget with the contention that they were experiencing marketing problems.