LAHORE: Finance Minister Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha has said the number of taxpayers had increased in the province with the addition of 46,000more taxpayers which was a positive sign toward the revenue generation goals.
The minster expressed these remarks while addressing a Pre-budget Conference 2018-19: Tax Reforms in Pakistan organized by School of Commerce and Accountancy at University of Management and Technology (UMT), here.
She said the number of taxpayers could be multiplied further, provided universities create awareness among people to return their tax files and formally register for tax net.
She said, “We need to change our perception of tax and the budget by keeping in mind that more people pay taxes, the better would be lifestyle and facilities”.
The minister said when the number of taxpayers expands, every budget whether it was provincial or federal turns to be more attractive, more meaningful and public friendly.
Shading light on the Punjab government’s policies, Dr. Ayeshasaid the government was taking many initiatives to restore confidence between taxpayers the government.
She said the government wants to provide maximum opportunities of health, education and other basic facilities to masses, but it was also the responsibility of every citizen to change their traditional way of thinking about tax ratio and GDP.
Addressing the conference, Director General UMT Abid HK Shirwani said that educational institutions in collaboration with chambers of commerce and industry, and other professional bodies could help the government to increase the number of taxpayers.
Other guest speakers who spoke on the occasion include, Ziaullah Mustafa, President ICMA Pakistan, Sajjeed Aslam, Head ACCA Pakistan and Razi Khan, Executive Director ICAP. At the end, Rector UMT Dr. Muhammad Aslam gave away souvenirs to the guests.
