MURREE: During a seminar on Monday, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Nisar Mohammd Khan said the FBR is working on drafting a new taxation system for improving the FBR’s efficiency, facilitate taxpayers as well as tax lawyers.

It is imperative to create a tax culture with the objective of enhancing financial resources for the socio-economic development and welfare of the country.

The seminar was hosted by the Pakistan Tax Bar Association during the Summer Camp 2016 in Murree and was conducted by Secretary General Pakistan Tax Bar Association Abdul Qadoos Mughal.

Tax law practitioners and office-bearers of tax bar associations from across the country participated in the Summer Camp 2016 in which various seminars were conducted.

Talking during one of these seminars, the FBR chief said research and marketing analysis cells will be established in the FBR which will focus on resolving issues in a proficient manner and streamlining the working procedure.

The necessary ground work for this has been completed, he said, adding that qualified professionals will be hired next in order to improve the taxation system. Mr Khan also said Statutory Regulatory Order will be eliminated and replaced with a more appropriate method for giving concessions.

Regular taxpayers should not be harassed and action will be taken in case this happens, provided solid evidence is provided, the FBR chief said, adding that the contributions of tax payers to the national exchequer must be acknowledged.

A process for eliminating corrupt practices has already been intiated, he said, adding that this will also bring about a change in the behaviours of officials.

President Pakistan Tax Bar Association Mohsin Nadeem, President Lahore Bar Association Ferhan Shahzad and General Secretary Abdul Qadoos Mughal also spoke at the seminar.

They talked about what the summer camps achieved, acknowledged the achievements of the FBR for their record revenue collection, and the sales tax issues of manufacturers in Sialkot city.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2016