Karachi, December 18, 2023 – The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) issued a stern call on Monday for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to reject the nomination papers of non-filers, asserting that those who evade taxes should be denied the right to representation.
In a press conference, PTBA President Anwar Kashif Mumtaz insisted that individuals unwilling to contribute to the national exchequer should not be allowed to stand for elections, emphasizing the necessity for transparency in the financial dealings of election contestants. The senior office bearers of the apex tax bar were present at the event.
Mumtaz underscored the imperative for election candidates to disclose comprehensive details of their tax returns, encompassing taxes paid, income, expenses, and asset information, on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) website. He criticized the prevailing apathy of political parties towards expanding the tax net and urged them to incorporate this initiative into their election manifestos.
Expressing discontent, he stated that no political party in the country exhibits interest in enhancing the tax base, asserting that citizens must hold politicians accountable for tax payments, government tax collections, and the allocation of funds to developmental projects.
In a scathing rebuke of FBR officers not filing tax returns, Mumtaz proposed their exclusion from tax collection duties, citing the incongruity of enforcing tax laws by those who flout them. He vehemently opposed the International Monetary Fund’s suggestion to lower tax slabs for salaried individuals, insisting that the salaried class already fulfills its tax obligations and advocated punitive measures against tax evaders.
Advocating for a technologically adept FBR, Mumtaz demanded the inclusion of technology experts to ensure meticulous scrutiny of available data, paving the way for an improved tax collection process and the eradication of corruption.
The PTBA President implored the government to facilitate taxpayers, eliminate tax evasion, and bridge the divide between taxpayers and non-taxpayers. He stressed the provision of comprehensive facilities for tax filers and urged the FBR to focus on converting non-filers into contributors. Mumtaz insisted on fostering trust in the Pakistan Tax Bar, deeming it crucial for the success of their initiatives.
He criticized the FBR’s practice of issuing tax notices to non-filers, denouncing the inefficacy of previous attempts and called for connecting tax collection increases to tangible results. Mumtaz also decried the adverse repercussions of FBR raids, highlighting the lack of clarity regarding the amount of taxes collected.
To combat smuggling, Mumtaz called for a zero-tolerance policy, urging the government and law enforcement agencies to impose comprehensive restrictions on the sale of smuggled goods in the market.
The PTBA Chief delineated the association’s priorities for the next two years, underscoring the necessity for every individual to contribute their fair share in taxes. He announced the celebration of Tax Day in February 2024, aimed at promoting a tax culture in Pakistan. Additionally, in collaboration with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Pakistan Tax Bar pledged to play a pivotal role in spreading awareness about tax compliance, culminating in the organization of the High Tax Payers Awards.
