ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday launched first-ever registered premium prize bond. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the country is treading on the path of progress at a fast pace.

He said Rs80 million is the first prize for this premium bond of Rs40,000. He said a bond of Rs100,000 will also be launched soon after the success of this one.

He said bonds will be available for individuals as well as public and private companies, however, banks cannot buy it. He said the prize money will be directly transferred in the account of the winner instead of publishing his name in newspapers.

International economic experts see Pakistan among the top 20 economies by 2030. He said Pakistan would soon sign bilateral treaty with Switzerland for Bank Information Sharing to detect tax evaders.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2017