Those criticising 'revolutionary tax reforms' should reveal their own details, challenges Abbasi

Published April 7, 2018
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi unveils the plaque during the groundbreaking ceremony of Yakmach-Kharan Highway. —APP
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi unveils the plaque during the groundbreaking ceremony of Yakmach-Kharan Highway. —APP

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday said that those criticising the recently announced "revolutionary tax reforms" should first make their own tax details public.

Addressing a public gathering in Kharan after inaugurating Khuzdar-Shahdadkot highway and performing the groundbreaking of Kharan-Yakmach road, the prime minister hoped that people would join the “course of national development by paying taxes and proving their patriotism”.

“There is no room for criticism,” Abbasi said, adding that the critics are basically opposing the government’s initiative of reducing tax rates.

“Previous governments always increased tax rates but it was the PML-N government that reduced the same by more than 50 per cent,” the premier said.

Analysis: An amnesty for all

Abbasi explained that the tax reforms were meant to shift the burden of indirect taxes from the poor to those “who are not paying taxes despite earning millions”.

Talking about his visit to Kabul, the prime minister said that he discussed the Afghan issue with local leaders and told them “no country desires peace in Afghanistan more than Pakistan”.

He hoped that the Afghan side will also show sincerity like Pakistan does, “peace could be restored in the region”.

Abbasi said that democracy would flourish and the country would progress if people elect sincere leadership in the upcoming election.

Opinion

Editorial

Chilas bus attack
Updated 05 Dec, 2023

Chilas bus attack

Locals, particularly in Diamer and Kohistan, need to be on board to ensure that militants have no place to hide.
State’s insecurities
05 Dec, 2023

State’s insecurities

ONE hopes that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor’s recent remarks regarding the ‘less-than-ideal’ security...
Underage driving
05 Dec, 2023

Underage driving

SIX lives — all members of a single family — were recently lost in Lahore to the unabated menace of underage...
Electable politics
Updated 04 Dec, 2023

Electable politics

With the PTI still on the wrong side of the political equation, the prospects will be bright for whoever takes the lead.
War of narratives
04 Dec, 2023

War of narratives

MILITARILY, there is no match between the Israeli war machine, and the defenceless people of Gaza. On one side is a...
Returns on deposits
04 Dec, 2023

Returns on deposits

DESPITE the deceleration of deposit mobilisation, bank deposits have jumped to a record high of Rs25.6tr in FY23. ...