The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to launch an operation against tax evaders across the country. The operation will target those who have been proved in cases and have received decisions in favor of the FBR from all legal forums, says in media reports.
FBR has also instructed its field offices to speed up the recovery of taxes from these tax evaders. In some cases, the FBR may even auction properties to recover the stolen tax.
In the first phase, the FBR has prepared a list of more than 12,300 people from major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Quetta, and Karachi. The list includes industrialists, mill owners, traders, property dealers, and others.
The FBR has warned the people on the list that they must submit the required documents within a week of receiving the tax notice. Failure to do so will result in legal action being taken against them. The FBR’s operation against tax evaders is a welcome move. Tax evasion is a serious crime that robs the government of much-needed revenue. The FBR’s action should send a strong message to tax evaders that they will not be tolerated. The operation is also likely to have a positive impact on the economy. When more people pay their taxes, the government has more money to invest in development projects and social programs.—INP
