PTI’s forgotten tax reforms agenda
Dr. Ikramul Haq Prime Minister Imran Khan, while addressing top officials of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on November 13, 2019, expressed dissatisfaction over performance of apex revenue authority. He asked them to give their input regarding substantial tax reforms…
Divorce—blessing or curse?
Huzaima Bukhari “The most hateful of all lawful matters to Allah is divorce” ―Hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud 2172 Every human being has the right to live a happy and fulfilling life, in which he is able to realize his…
PTI’s flawed tax reforms agenda
Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq Prime Minister Imran Khan’s address to the top officials of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on November 13, 2019 showed that his three-year-long tax reforms plan, approved on October 3, 2019, lacks proper homework,…
Amnesties & tax losses
Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq Pakistan is a unique country where the governments—military and civilian alike—have been frequently introducing amnesty schemes allowing whitening of untaxed/undeclared assets. Historically, both the Legislature and Executive have always shown keenness in appeasing tax…
Debate over new tax agency
Dr. Ikramul Haq Prime Minister Imran Khan on October 3, 2019 approved an ambitious three-year plan to conduct nationwide surveys for tax assessment, evaluating wealth parked in real estate and implementing a new value added tax system and “setting up…
Tax plans san debate!
Dr. Ikramul Haq According to a Press report, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Shabbar Zaidi, has shown flexibility over establishment of Pakistan Revenue Authority (PRA) after strong resistance from the personnel he is presently heading. He ensured them that…
Constitution—persistent violations!
Huzaima Bukhari “When laws do not rule, there is no constitution”—Aristotle in The Politics. There is always a tendency to follow precedents. This means that once an example has been set, the subsequent response is to continue walking on the…
Imran’s long-term tax plan
Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq Fiscal consolidation should be as growth-friendly as possible. In general, tax base-broadening reforms are identified as growth-oriented reforms. To the extent that they reduce distortions to economic decisions on work, saving, investment and consumption,…
FBR’s unconstitutional sales tax on restaurants
Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq The imposition of 7.5% sales tax on restaurants through Finance Act 2019 by the National Assembly, energetically defended by the Chairman of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), is patently unconstitutional being in violation of…