ISLAMABAD, Dec 20: The government on Friday notified a convention for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income between Pakistan and the Syrian Arab Republic.

The provision of the convention would come into effect in both contracting states with effect from May 1, 2002, a senior income tax official told Dawn on Friday.

The government of both countries have signed the draft of the convention on March 16, 2001, which was awaiting implementation by both countries.

The convention would be in respect of taxes on income withheld at source, for amounts taxable on or after the date of entry into force of the convention; in respect of taxes on income which are not withheld at source, for income relating, as the case may be, to any calendar year or accounting period beginning after the calendar year in which the convention enters into force and in respect of other taxes, for taxation the taxable event of which would cover after the calendar year in which the convention enters into force.