Punjab Finance Minister Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said the number of taxpayers has increased in the province as more people are paying taxes, which is a positive gesture toward revenue generation goals. The minister was addressing a Pre-Budget Conference 2018-2019: Tax Reforms in Pakistan organized by School of Commerce and Accountancy at University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore. She said the number of taxpayers could be multiplied further providing that universities raise awareness among people to return their tax files and formally register for tax net.

She said "there is a need to change our perception of tax by keeping in mind that the more people pay taxes, the better would be lifestyle and facilities." The minister said when the number of taxpayers expanded, every budget whether it was provincial or federal turned to be more attractive, more meaningful and public friendly.

While talking about the policies of Punjab government Dr Ayesha said the government was taking many initiatives to restore confidence between taxpayers the government. She said the government wanted to provide maximum opportunities of health, education and other basic facilities to masses, but it was also the responsibility of every citizen to change their traditional way of thinking about tax ratio and GDP.

Addressing the conference, Director General UMT Abid HK Shirwani said that educational institutions in collaboration with chambers of commerce and industry, and other professional bodies could help the government to increase the number of taxpayers and sensibly work out the budget.

The seminar was addressed by Zia ul Mustafa, President ICMA Pakistan, Sajjeed Aslam, Head ACCA Pakistan and Razi Khan, Executive Director ICAP.

They urged the government to amend the law of converting black money into white and restructure tax collecting bodies as they are not giving desired performance.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2018