Altaf Shakoor Urges Tough Measures Against Tax Evaders

Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), has highlighted the significant challenges faced by the government in broadening the tax base due to resistance from tax evaders and corrupt elite individuals. Shakoor emphasized the urgent need for the government to confront these obstacles with determination.

Shakoor commended the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for its decision to block the cell phone SIMs of tax evaders, urging legal action against telecom companies failing to comply. He stressed that tough measures are essential to revive the struggling economy, pointing out the disproportionate burden placed on the salaried class compared to higher-income groups who evade taxes.

Furthermore, Shakoor criticized political parties for supporting tax evaders and corrupt elites, hindering efforts to expand the tax base. He called for the use of artificial intelligence by the government to identify tax evaders, leveraging existing financial data held by the FBR and State Bank of Pakistan.

Shakoor underscored the importance of timely resolution of tax cases by the courts and advocated for the removal of corrupt officials within the FBR who shield major tax evaders. He emphasized the necessity of cracking down on corruption and kickbacks, particularly those facilitated by influential figures in power.

In conclusion, Shakoor urged a comprehensive approach to combat tax evasion and corruption, emphasizing the critical role of increasing tax collection to reduce reliance on IMF loans and break the cycle of debt. He called for an end to the hypocrisy that perpetuates corruption, emphasizing the need for decisive action against all forms of corruption, regardless of scale.