ISLAMABAD - Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has said that the government is continuously trying to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the revenue collection process and to make it taxpayer friendly, so that tax culture is promoted.
He said that the Tax Reforms Commission (TRC) was set up with the aim of achieving this objective. The Minister here on Saturday was addressing a meeting of the Implementation Committee which is entrusted with the task of implementing the reforms recommended by the Tax Reforms Commission.
The Minister said that unlike the past, where commissions and committees were established without any follow up on their findings and recommendations, the present Government is fully focused on implementation. It was for this reason that an Implementation Committee has been established, which includes private members as well. The Committee is responsible for implementation the agreed recommendations of the TRC and shall also decide on the schedule of implementation. He hoped that the hard work of TRC would go a long way in improving the taxation system, simplifying tax procedures and facilitating the tax payers.
The meeting on the occasion was given an overview of the plan envisaging to implement the TRC recommendations. It was noted that apart from other measures for broadening of tax base, the FBR also needed to expand its outreach and physical presence beyond the mega centers and major cities for generating better revenue. The meeting expressed the confidence that with implementation of the recommendations of the TRC there would be positive impact on revenue generation.
Dar reviews performance of PIA
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar here on Saturday chaired a meeting to review performance of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Secretary Aviation Division, Muhammad Irfan Elahi briefed the Minister in detail about the current economic profile of PIA and also apprised him about its immediate financial requirements. He said efforts are being made to minimize operational losses of the airline, to improve the service delivery and overall working of the airline.
The Minister appreciated efforts by the PIA administration for improving service delivery and reduction of operational losses. He said that as national flag carrier it was expected of PIA to ensure quality travel and cargo services in line with international standards. He said strict financial discipline coupled with quality management would get the desired service levels. He said the government was fully prepared to support all efforts aimed at improvement in PIA’s services but it was the will and spirit of its employees that mattered the most in bringing about resurgence of the airline and make it truly self sufficient. He called for continued efforts to revamp PIA.
Secretary Aviation Division, Muhammad Irfan Elahi, Secretary Finance, Dr. Waqar Masood Khan and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance attended the meeting.