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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged the business community to pay taxes transparently for greater development and prosperity, through the launch of the Voluntary Tax Compliance scheme.
The compliance scheme launched here Friday aims to register non-filer traders and regulate the undocumented economy.
Nawaz explained to traders that collecting more taxes can help build a stronger economy, reduce unemployment and poverty, attract more investment and fortify the country in the fight against terrorism.
The premier told traders the government has taken steps towards resolving issues such as the restoration of law and order in the country and counter-terrorism.
"Peace in Karachi is necessary for peace in the entire country," he said. "The government is taking steps to reform sectors including health, education and road links as well."
Nawaz said the situation in the country has improved in comparison with the state of affairs 3-4 years ago, Radio Pakistan reported. "Economic reforms have yielded positive results and economic prosperity in the country will change the fate of the nation," he claimed.
Traders play an integral role in the development of economy, he said, adding that the government would provide support to traders in every way possible.
"The PML-N led government has stepped forward to deal with internal and external challenges while policies are being devised after consultation with the relevant stakeholders in this regard” in order to steer the country towards progress, Nawaz claimed.
The government believes in resolving issues with mutual understanding and consultation, he told members of the business community. "This spirit will take the country forth on the path towards progress and prosperity."
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to further improve the draft Voluntary Tax Compliance scheme in order to attract maximum number of new taxpayers and achieve the aim of broadening the tax base.
Imran rejects newly launched tax scheme
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan vehemently opposed the tax amnesty scheme announced by the prime minister, calling it a tax on the honest people, DawnNews reported.
The government laid new taxes worth Rs40 billion without getting approval from the parliament, he added.
This scheme by PML-N is an attempt to clean their black money and we strongly reject this scheme, Imran stressed.
The PTI chief slammed the policies of the incumbent government yet again and said it is making China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) controversial.
With the start of the new year, provisional figures released on Tuesday showed the FBR's revenue collection exceeded the collection target by Rs20bn to Rs770 billion for the second quarter (October-December) of the fiscal year.
The surpassing of target is unprecedented because in the past few years the FBR has never been able to achieve revised targets.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (75) Closed
Jan 01, 2016 02:24pm
Great... after health benefit scheme and now PMs focus is on broadening tax base... keep it up Mr. PM and make us proud...
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Jan 01, 2016 02:24pm
collecting more taxes can help build a stronger economy, reduce unemployment and poverty, attract more investment and fortify the country in the fight against terrorism.
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Jan 01, 2016 02:26pm
Hahahaa... Charity starts from home... kindly put Tax in this equation as well for Mr. Sharif.
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Jan 01, 2016 02:29pm
Start paying your tax first mr PM and the rest will follow. You paid only Rs 5000 Only few years ago. How was that possible?
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Jan 01, 2016 02:29pm
Without tax revenues pitch education and health care out the window.
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Jan 01, 2016 02:30pm
Both PM & FM need to do a Zarb e Azb on the Non Filers. Hiding behind Amnesty schemes and getting zero results in return is not the answer. PML(N) Stop postponing the problem and start making decisions.
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Jan 01, 2016 02:31pm
good step. every good step must be followed with definitive action.
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Jan 01, 2016 02:32pm
The PM should first make his own, his party members' and then the parliament's tax affairs transparent and then expect others to follow suit with such schemes. Seems a bit disgusting coming from someone who has amassed billions during his time as CM and PM.
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Jan 01, 2016 02:40pm
People who do not pay tax are paradoxically the ones most worried about how 'taxpayers money' is being spent. Only 33,000 people filed their tax returns in the current financial year. People in govt jobs and foreign companies pay tax. Rest do not but want govt to fulfil its social responsibilities! It beggars belief that such people can stand for moral values and uprightness when they are corrupt themselves.
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Jan 01, 2016 02:45pm
This Person himself only paid 5,000 rupee tax. He has assets of multi billion dollar many of them out of country to avoid paying taxes. And even with huge business inside paksitan he is the one not paying taxes himself. Hypcoricsy at its best.
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Jan 01, 2016 02:46pm
Pakistan's tax collection to GDP ratio is among the lowest in the world and still people blame Government for everything and expect world class social services delivery system !
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Jan 01, 2016 02:52pm
The PM saheb must focus attention and ensure that not a single law maker - who is tax defaulter - is allowed to remain MPA. If he does this it would be a great service to the nation.
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Jan 01, 2016 02:57pm
Form last two and half years PML(N) government shows it's good governance only in news. PM should tell that why they are charging a super tax on petrol. None but the middle class families suppress with the taxes.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:06pm
Nowhere in the world people pays taxes voluntarily specially when they trust the government. it need to be enforced and charity starts at home, from Sharifs and the Dar himself who evade taxes!
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Jan 01, 2016 03:07pm
Only Nawaz Sharif can come up with something like this and only in Pakistan .If a head of state in U.S. or Europe mentioned the word Voluntary , with taxes he would be in jail himself. 1st day of 2016 God help us for the rest of the year.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:12pm
MR Nawaz Sharif we want to see Pakistan Asian tiger like Singapore in the year 2018. We all make commitment from today onwards pay tax and make Pakistan one again great. You are mature politician I have not seen you using vulgar language and boasting. The day is not far away when Pakistan will emerge Asia economic giant and super power.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:12pm
Volunteers are also welcome from the Parliament ... (are they accept or Except??)
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Jan 01, 2016 03:12pm
I request our honorable PM Mian Nawaz Sharif to have a look at his own and his families tax paying history. This corrupt to the core PML-N government is demanding and pushing taxes over poor and middle class families and all the tax collected is spent on their luxuries and VIP protocols. Complete silence from the institutions with power has been very discouraging for a common man as they are fast losing hope for any sort of relief from this corrupt and unjust system.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:13pm
if implemented properly this step could bring turnaround in Pakistan's Tax culture!!! way to go Mr PM
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Jan 01, 2016 03:16pm
Another gimmick of present govt to benefit Feudals, politicians and loyals.
Pitty on Poor People of Pakistan who vote for them.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:24pm
This is like Kettle calling the Pot black.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:25pm
@mabbassi come out of that election rhetoric and baseless allegations all the figures are available on FBR website.NS never paid less than 2 million rupees i-tax in last 8yrs
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Jan 01, 2016 03:28pm
no one will pay tax voluntarily in Pakistan, a stick is also needed.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:33pm
No country has a VOLUNTARY tax scheme because people do not like paying taxes and will avoid where ever possible. Payment of tax is MANDANTORY and carries heavy penalties including imprisonment for those caught.
The reason its VOLUNTARY in Pakistan is because the government are afraid if they make it law then they are likely to be burnt themselves as they the chief offenders.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:36pm
Another political stunt by the honourable P.M Nawaz Sharif, instead of devising rules for FBR regarding the 1174 parliamentarian & member provincial assemblies for income tax returns,he is requesting the business class of Pakistan for voluntary tax. Is it possible to broaden the tax base by begging in the form of voluntary tax compliance scheme...? There must be strict rules in the country for tax returns with awards &rewards...
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Jan 01, 2016 03:47pm
A government of the thieves, by the thieves and for the thieves.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:49pm
He must be joking and I am pretty sure that his audience did not believe him .
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Jan 01, 2016 03:49pm
And the govt. accepts its failure to bring tax evaders within the tax net. Such a pitty!
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Jan 01, 2016 04:04pm
Mr PM you have zero credibility. Pay your own taxes first, bring back all that black money that you and your family has stacked outside the country then ask from nation to pay taxes.
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Jan 01, 2016 04:06pm
We hope he and his family will fill the forms honestly. You will be surprise to know his gardeners cooks and drivers are more richer than him!!!
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Jan 01, 2016 04:32pm
The business community did not vote for PML-N to pay taxes. They voted to NOT pay taxes.
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Jan 01, 2016 04:54pm
Conflict of interest...amnesty for haves at the cost of havenots and honest tax payers...
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Jan 01, 2016 05:08pm
PM should ask his friends and family to pay tax ......... this will be enough for whole nation to feed........................
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Jan 01, 2016 05:15pm
I am not paying a single paisa until this crook, his family and his party pay first. I give my money to charity because I know it will get to the people that need it. But judging by the numbers that are supporting him, tax collection shouldn't be a problem
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Jan 01, 2016 05:31pm
People need to pay taxes! And they will be incentivized if they see their taxes being used for overall socioeconomic betterment. I am glad this government is taking positive steps - now it's up to us to make these projects successful by not abusing them and holding the government accountable.
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Jan 01, 2016 05:50pm
pak businessmen have been runnng for too long..driving bmw mercedes landrover and living in big houses but dont even pay 1 rupee tax...follow other countries law...take them to court and confiscate their passport then they will follow rules..pakistani has been not law abiding for many years...no discipline etc..throwing rubbish anywhere..driving like crazy..they take life too easy..
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Jan 01, 2016 06:01pm
With what level of income, a small taxpayer prime minister could gift a garland of millions to his granddaughter?
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Jan 01, 2016 06:14pm
Taxes should mainly be collected(and spent) by district and provincial govts and not by the federal govt!
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Jan 01, 2016 06:23pm
Why does not he start paying taxes transparently from him self? and his family?
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Jan 01, 2016 06:28pm
@iffi just accepting your number without argument.
Do you believe 2m is what a person should be paying taxes who wares watches worth tens of times to 2m?
And no count of other properties and businesses.
Oh, I got it. Corruptions is tax free!
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Jan 01, 2016 06:59pm
What a joke. In any other country a tax EVADOR would be treated as a criminal. In the UK those found guilty of tax evasion are penalised up to 200% of tax due. But our genius PM is begging tax EVADOR to get their black money whitned. We all know its the corrupt friends of his who will benefit from this.
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Jan 01, 2016 07:14pm
PM should first start with the people in the parliament to declare the assets home and abroad and pay their dues first then rest will follow.
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Jan 01, 2016 07:26pm
Pakistani people asking to NAWAZ How much tax you paid and your industry
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Jan 01, 2016 07:28pm
Mr. Nawaz Sharif. Does this net include you and your entire family and businesses around the world?
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Jan 01, 2016 07:30pm
one should start with one self. I have a question for all commentators.
How many of you pay taxes, and when was last time any of the commentators filed texas?
I have filed my taxes regularly for last 5 years. What about you guys?
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Jan 01, 2016 07:49pm
@msadiq .so true.such people are the biggest corrupt in pakistan.
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Jan 01, 2016 07:50pm
Only way people will pay taxes is to make tough laws special tax courts with judges and lawyers trained in Tax laws. Quit giving extensions and start throwing cheaters in jail.
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Jan 01, 2016 07:50pm
Voluntarily tax! What a joke in fooling the masses of the nation. Pity on financial and economic advisors.
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Jan 01, 2016 08:02pm
GST, or VAT too ?
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Jan 01, 2016 08:31pm
Just tell us how much tax is paid by you, shahbaz, hamza, ishaq dar, mr ch. Nisar and Rana mashood????
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Jan 01, 2016 08:58pm
Btw why should I pay tax? For your lavish life style and luxuries you enjoy? only 5-6 meetings of upper and lower houses per year and huge salaries and benefits you people get. Why only AWAM should sacrifice for your living standard?
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Jan 01, 2016 09:20pm
Voluntary and tax? In Pakistan? Those big fishes are going to pay voluntary tax? PML(N) must be having a laugh.
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Jan 01, 2016 09:28pm
If the expenditure of PM and Presidents House and the parliamentarians and elections, including by-elections which is in billions of rupees is reduced by 70%, here will be no need for all these juggleries.
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Jan 01, 2016 09:35pm
Contrary to business background that ostensibly provoke one to engage self serving policies to benefit its vast business empire, this scheme is much more prospective in nature to assert the sincerety and loyalty of incumbent govt. Hence, it provides a certain degree of leverage to be optimistic about the social and infrastructural development.
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Jan 01, 2016 10:47pm
it is a good step in the right direction. However; Voluntary compliance should have a time limit and after that government should punish all those do not register. A new law should be passed by the Parliament to give this scheme a full legal coverage.
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Jan 01, 2016 11:57pm
If Pakistan had a UK Database system for every Individual and Businesses then the Tax letter and warning can be sent out and should give Income Tax through Banking or a certain percentage according to Income. Even if people dont give 100% earning details atleast tax will be paid. If the people refuse to pay taxes then (like UK) a penalty charge should be applied. Nawaz Sharif Goverment is very slow in applying basics. Country will become Wealthier. Our neighbour India is learning and thats why its progressing. I hope the Auther of this article pay attention and spread the word.
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Jan 02, 2016 12:04am
Broadening of the tax base is OK but lack of aggressive economic policy is holding back the economic potential of Pakistan. The PM should unleash this potential with bold changes and reforms in the system with help from the parliament. Pakistan deserves a free market economy, so please rationalize and simply the tax system for ease of doing business like in Malaysia which has a flat tax of 15% maximum; eliminate custom duties; eliminate withholding taxes, eliminate the regimen of NOCs, licenses, SROs and subsidization, eliminate government controls on pricing of oil and commodities. Less government is better for business and economic expansion. Reduce the size of the government by 50% at least to reduce expenses. Eliminate housing, cars and servants for civil and military bureaucrats. Take these steps Mr. PM if you are serious
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Jan 02, 2016 12:27am
paying tax is for the weak and those who have no connections in the right places
otherwise - why would I give from my hard earned money.
Thank you
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Jan 02, 2016 12:39am
Penny wise pound foolish! If this Government is really serious in expending tax collection, all it needs to do is, make the tax process tax-payer friendly. I know what efforts and time it takes to make a successful tax return, even in months through all those horrifying stages of meeting the very cumbersome conditions. I am sure if made easy with a common man in view, large number of frustrated tax-payers would gladly fulfill their responsibility.
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Jan 02, 2016 01:01am
@Truth
Do you know English rule sub continent and treated us like slaves. What they are doing in Middle East is a war crime. Therefore; please don't give examples of western countries. They rob our countries, destabilize our political system and keep peace at home. The sad part is that some of us without knowing the history and geopolitical character of these western countries jump to conclusion.
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Jan 02, 2016 01:07am
You know if leaders are thief'the followers will follow in their leaders foot steps. Instead of telling us to file taxes why not force all the politicians to file a transparent income taxes. This may bring a positive impact on others and will file taxes transparently. Our tax system is broken to the point where people are running from filing for taxes simply because there is no incentive to them. We don't get free quality education. We don't get free health care. We dont get incentives for children. We dont get electricity, water, and sanitation. We don't have any community libraries etc. So what exactly are we paying taxes for ? Mr Nawaz you are literally contradicting your own statement because you hardly pay any taxes while you have the majority ownership in PIA. You own 90% of the cement industry in Pakistan, and other small businesses. So where is your transparent tax filing ?
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Jan 02, 2016 01:22am
Another Topi Drama.
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Jan 02, 2016 01:40am
This man comes with these daft ideas. Nobody pays tax voluntarily.
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Jan 02, 2016 01:48am
He is innovative in matters that make him rich!
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Jan 02, 2016 02:40am
I am sure that all those wealthy Pakistani Feudals and Elites are now rushing out to "voluntarily" register and pay taxes! LOL!
How about making all those indirect taxes on everyday Pakistanis also "Voluntary"?????
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Jan 02, 2016 03:19am
only tax those who actually pay tax, PMLN-PPP-MQM dont want to catch the crooks... this is financial terrorism people.
cost of utilities in third world Pakistan is 3 times more than first world Canada, where is the sense in that, and its only one of the cost
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Jan 02, 2016 04:32am
Mr. PM what ever you do does not matter as you yourself do not pay tax properly
and regularly. How do you expect the people of Pakistan to pay tax when leaders like you and Asif Zardari & almost all of your ministers try their best to evade tax.
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Jan 02, 2016 04:38am
100% agree there is a change of atmosphere in Karachi. As a Arab citizen i would safely walk at different markets at peace. The citizen attitude has changes and policemen are more caution on tourist safely. I recall an autoricshaw driver was questioned by policeman, where he was driving us in karachi. We would walk late night with peace and do to docel mall. That's great Mr. Nawaz Sharif.
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Jan 02, 2016 06:18am
Tax is not voluntary.....There should be no non-filers and if there are, they should be punished severely. This goes not just for the business community but also for our esteemed politicians!!!
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Jan 02, 2016 07:30am
Mr. PM should set an example by making public his own and his family members Tax Returns that they filed in last few years. None of the ministers, MNAs pay any taxes in Pakistan. All the people should be required to file a Tax Returns regardless of their income level.
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Jan 02, 2016 08:24am
@Ahmed USA ...u seriously have no idea about the current state of Pakistan otherwise u wouldn't have commented this
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Jan 02, 2016 09:54am
It is ok to widen the tax net. Shop owners must pay a minimum tax but not at the expense high tariffs, load shedding and inflation. Traders and manufacturers cannot afford to pay taxes unless government ends load shedding of electricity and over billing. Nation needs a relief package. It is time to build maximum damns to control floods, stored water should be used for irrigation. Bring back looted wealth USD200 crore in the shape of cash lying is Swiss banks. No more RNO and confiscate the properties of ministers, who have looted wealth of Pakistan. Will you please emerge as a strong leader? We have faith on you.
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Jan 02, 2016 10:15am
This scheme will only encourage corruption
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Jan 02, 2016 10:56am
Great News
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Jan 02, 2016 04:03pm
what has stopped govt to receive taxes( even forcefully) from traders of big markets like shalmi in Lahore, Govt of businessmen( shareef brothers) is reluctant because all traders are their financers and supporters?
why our so called gentlemen like doctors in private clinics earning millions dont pay taxes
why lawyers dont pay taxes
why only salaried class
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