‘Good’ trouble
Huzaima Bukhari“Rosa Parks inspired me to find a way to get in the way, to get in trouble….good trouble, necessary trouble”—John LewisThe word ‘trouble’ and its various forms evoke negativity with all its manifestations. Not even for a moment one…
Overcoming fiscal challenges
Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul HaqPresently, all broad-based and buoyant sources of revenue are with the federal government and contribution of provinces in total tax revenues [Rs. 4748 billion] for the fiscal year 2019-20 [11.4% of GDP] was merely 8…
Taxation hindering investment
Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul HaqThis survey shows that international and national evidence points out that taxation and growth are negatively correlated. It is time Pakistan took this seriously and changed the adjustment and growth model. If Pakistan thinks it…
Viable model for affordable housing
Dr. Ikramul Haq It is unfortunate that since the announcement by Prime Minister Imran Khan of his ‘flagship project’—Naya Pakistan Housing Programme—aimed at constructing five million houses for the low income segments of society during the next five years, everybody is…
Fiscal deficit and tax system
Dr. Ikramul HaqIn fiscal year 2019-20, the coalition government of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), according to a report, posted fiscal deficit of Rs. 3.4 trillion or 8.1% of GDP against the estimate of International Monetary Fund (IMF) of Rs. 3.9 trillion…
Finance Act 2020
Lack of initiatives & innovationsHuzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul HaqThe adoption of Finance Bill 2020 on June 29, 2020 and exceeding the target by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for fiscal year (FY) 2019-20, after blocking refunds of billions,…
Need for new income tax law
Draft Income Tax Act, 2022Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq[i]When the government of General Pervez Musharraf decided to promulgate a new income tax law in 2000, many opposed it strongly. The main objection was that his regime had no mandate…
Independence Day considerations
Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq Today we are celebrating 73rd Independence Day with a hope that the new government, after two years in power, will now seriously work on bringing the much-needed reforms in all spheres of governance and fix…
Celebration of independence
Huzaima Bukhari“Independence? That’s middle class blasphemy. We are all dependent on one another, every soul of us on earth”—George Bernard ShawCongratulations to all Pakistanis celebrating the 73rd Day of Independence on 14th August 2020. May Allah bless the people of…