Islamabad (Web Desk): Minister for Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday said that introducing reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is among the top priorities of the incumbent government to address economic crisis.
Addressing a news conference flanked by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar in Islamabad, the law minister said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is leading the entire reform process in this regard.
The minister highlighted that currently, tax cases pertaining to the recovery of more than Rs2700 billions were pending in courts, which should be concluded early.
“For the first time, the parliament has legislated on tax tribunals in order to not only expedite the process but also make it efficient,” he said, adding that under the law, cases of Rs 20 million will go to the Commissioner while the cases above this will go to the Tribunal.
Tarar said that some postings and transfers have been made in the FBR and more are expected in the coming days with strict adherence to merit.
“Competent officers with good repute were being brought in front so the policies would be implemented efficiently,” he said, adding that changes were not being made to declare anyone corrupt.
The law minister said that transfers would also be made in customs office to streamline the system and its effects would also go to the lower level.
He said that steps are also being taken to expand tax net, recoveries, income tax collection and stop electricity theft in the country so that this money can be used for the welfare of the public.
Tarar said that the prime minister is committed for the revival of economy and has given a full liberty to the FBR to perform well.
The law minister said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended to expand tax net, control electricity theft and ensure good governance to save the resources.
The people were earning millions of rupees but paying no income taxes, he said, adding that it was injustice to put more burden on those who were already taxpayers.
The minister said that amendments in the law was a good initiative and now practical steps were required to bring the country out from financial crisis.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said that the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Saudi Arabia remained quite successful.
He said that the premier held twelve high level meetings with the Saudi ministers and entities of different financial institutions, focusing on economic revival and bringing foreign investment in Pakistan.
The information minister added that during these meetings, the Saudi ministers and businessmen expressed their commitment to work with Pakistan.
“Within one month, the premier met with the Saudi Crown Prince twice, which is a significant development,” he said.
The information minister said that a high powered Saudi delegation, comprising businessmen and investors will be visiting Pakistan within few days to hold talks on a comprehensive roadmap for economic revival of Pakistan.
He said this roadmap has been designed on the special directives of Saudi Crown Prince to the Saudi ministers during meetings with Pakistani leadership, which will open up a new avenue of Pak-Saudi cordial bilateral relations.
The minister said that a campaign regarding online harassment and fake news has been witnessed on social media.
“The government is to seek suggestions to protect digital rights and stop online harassment,” the information minister said, adding that prevention of propaganda and rumours on social media is also essential.
Replying to a question, the law minister said freedom of expression should be protected, but it should not cross limits of decency.