The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) has demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to reject the nomination papers of non-filers, advocating that those who evade taxes should be denied the right to representation. In a press conference, PTBA President Anwar Kashif Mumtaz insisted that individuals unwilling to contribute to the national exchequer should not be allowed to stand for elections, emphasizing the necessity for transparency in the financial dealings of election contestants.
The senior office bearers of the apex tax bar were present at the event. Mumtaz underscored the imperative for election candidates to disclose comprehensive details of their tax returns, encompassing taxes paid, income, expenses, and asset information, on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) website. He criticized the prevailing apathy of political parties towards expanding the tax net and urged them to incorporate this initiative into their election manifestos.
Expressing discontent, he stated that no political party in the country exhibits interest in enhancing the tax base, asserting that citizens must hold politicians accountable for tax payments, government tax collections, and the allocation of funds to developmental projects. Mumtaz proposed their exclusion from tax collection duties, citing the incongruity of enforcing tax laws by those who flout them.
He vehemently opposed the International Monetary Fund’s suggestion to lower tax slabs for salaried individuals, insisting that the salaried class already fulfills its tax obligations and advocated punitive measures against tax evaders. PTBA President demanded the inclusion of technology experts to ensure meticulous scrutiny of available data, paving the way for an improved tax collection process and the eradication of corruption. The PTBA President urged the government to facilitate taxpayers, eliminate tax evasion, and bridge the divide between taxpayers and non-taxpayers. He stressed the provision of comprehensive facilities for tax filers and urged the FBR to focus on converting non-filers into contributors. Mumtaz insisted on fostering trust in the Pakistan Tax Bar, deeming it crucial for the success of their initiatives.
To combat smuggling, Anwar Kashif Mumtaz called for a zero-tolerance policy, urging the government and law enforcement agencies to impose comprehensive restrictions on the sale of smuggled goods in the market.
