Tax system reforms through digitisation underway, says PM Kakar

• PM tells ICCI delegation that action against electricity theft underway.
• Says govt to achieve economic stability by winning confidence of traders.
• Kakar says operation against smuggling launched across country.

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Thursday pledged to bring economic stability in the country and said that his government was reforming the taxation system through digitisation. 

In a meeting with a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), PM Kakar stressed the need to boost tax collection in order to witness economic development, a statement issued by the PM’s Office stated.

The meeting was attended by the federal secretaries of commerce and industries, chairmen of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Capital Development Authority (CDA).

The prime minister told the delegation that the government would achieve economic stability by winning the confidence of traders, industrialists and investors.

PM Kakar also informed the delegation that the process of reforms in the power sector was underway and action was being taken against those involved in the power theft.

The prime minister said that consultation with all the stakeholders was essential for issues resolution and the Commerce Ministry would regularly seek suggestions from the chambers.

The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to submit a report on the expansion of the FBR's Point of Sales system besides improving the performance of commercial attaches in Pakistan’s diplomatic missions.

The prime minister also instructed the CDA to improve its working and include the business community in the consultation process.

Besides, the CDA should also digitise the provision of facilities to the citizens as well as the land record, he added.

The premier informed the meeting that an operation against the smuggling had been launched across the country, particularly in the border areas.

He appreciated the crackdown by the government on smuggling during the last 48 hours, saying that it brought positive outcomes and was also welcomed by the authorities of neighbouring countries.

Furthermore, PM Kakar said the consultation was underway to promote trade with neighbouring countries which had also welcomed the government’s crackdown against smuggling.

He said the resolution of the business community’s problems was among the government’s priorities.

The prime minister welcomed the proposals by the delegation and assured implementation of the practicable ones.

He told the delegation that after assuming the office, he interacted with the business community and listened to their issues.

He also appreciated the business community’s role in economic development and the provision of job opportunities.

Earlier, the delegation headed by the ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari congratulated the prime minister on assuming the office.

They apprised the prime minister of the issues faced by the traders community and put forward their suggestions.

The prime minister welcomed the suggestions and assured the resolution of their issues.