ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that the deadline to avail the asset declaration scheme would not be extended and warned that the government would have no other option but to pursue the tax evaders with force if they fail to benefit from the scheme, Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday.
Talking to a private television channel, he urged people to legalise their undeclared assets before the deadline expires on June 30.
Imran remained positive that the nation and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government could work together and make the scheme successful. PM Imran hints at crackdown against tax evaders after June 30
He said the country stands at the crossroad and everyone should play its role for the improvement of the national economy.
“The country cannot move forward unless taxes are collected and steps are taken to increase income and reduce loans. The government is implementing the austerity drive to bring down the expenditures at the national level,” explained the premier.
He added, “The economy is facing a critical situation where half of our income goes to paying the interest on loans and corruption is the main cause of this economic malaise.”
The premier, who already hinted at a crackdown against tax evaders after June 30, simultaneously assured that the people who come into the tax net would not be harassed unduly.
He said efforts were underway to bring real reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as well.
“Consultations are being held with the business community on regular basis and they will be taken on board while formulating policies,” the premier concluded and reiterated that tax money would be utilised only for the welfare of Pakistanis.
