Amnesty scheme aimed at documenting economy, says FBR chief

LAHORE: Honourary Chairman of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Shabbar Zaidi said Friday that the purpose recently-introduced amnesty scheme is not to collect taxes, it is rather aimed at documenting the economy.

Addressing attendees at an Iftar dinner here, Zaidi said people should benefit from this scheme, adding, "Our bad luck is that the tax net has been limited".

He said the amnesty scheme was made simple and easy to facilitate the masses, and it was introduced under the 'benami' law.

"This would be a massive amnesty scheme and people should take advantage from it," the FBR chief said. "We do not intent to harass anyone at all."

He said he has directed FBR officials not to trouble anyone without a reason.

"I want to tell you that your money is safe in Pakistan. Become part of the tax net, get cleared yourself and help develop the country as well," Zaidi urged the masses.

He went on detail that the number of registered sales tax payers in the country currently stands at 43,000.

The FBR chief added that out of 100,000 registered companies, only 50,000 enterprises file their tax returns.