Anwar Kashif Mumtaz Advocates for Tax Reform in Pakistan

Anwar Kashif Mumtaz, a prominent Tax and Corporate Lawyer, currently holds the position of President at Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA). With an extensive background in the legal and taxation field, Anwar has also served in various leadership roles within the tax and business community.

In a recent interview, Anwar highlighted the critical issue of documentation in Pakistan's economy, emphasizing the urgent need for proper documentation to expand the tax base effectively. He pointed out that the lack of documentation hinders the country's tax collection efforts and allows certain sectors to evade taxes.

Anwar identified retail, trade, and real estate as key sectors that need to be brought into the tax net to enhance revenue generation. He also raised concerns about the rampant smuggling of goods, which not only affects market competitiveness but also leads to revenue losses for the government.

Regarding the cash-based nature of Pakistan's economy, Anwar stressed the importance of transitioning towards digital transactions to promote documentation and transparency. He noted that in developed countries, digital transactions are incentivized, unlike in Pakistan where cash transactions often lead to undocumented activities.

Anwar emphasized the significance of digitizing the taxation process to minimize human involvement and reduce leakages. He highlighted the need for trust between taxpayers and the government to ensure a more efficient tax system in Pakistan.

When discussing equitable taxation, Anwar raised concerns about the fairness and equity in the current tax system, pointing out discrepancies in how taxes are applied across different segments of society.

In conclusion, Anwar Kashif Mumtaz's insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities in Pakistan's taxation landscape, emphasizing the importance of documentation, digitalization, and equitable tax practices for sustainable economic growth.