Fix the fragmented tax system
Dr. Ikramul Haq Pakistan needs a paradigm shift in the existing tax policy and revamping of entire tax administration—establishment of a National Tax Authority [NTA], capable of generating sufficient resources for the federal and provincial governments, must be the top…
Myth & reality of tax ‘payers’ & ‘filers’
Dr. Ikramul Haq The prevailing myth, popular with TV anchors, donors and tax bureaucracy, that our tax base is narrow and only 1% of the population pays income tax is totally fallacious—this statement reiterated by the representative of Federal Board…
Fiscal challenges before Hafeez Shaikh
Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq The reality behind annual growth of 16-20% in revenue collection of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) from 2013 to 2018 remains untold. The facts reveal that behind the “extraordinary” (claimed and acclaimed) revenue growth…
Amnesty galore in Pakistan
Huzaima Bukhari “Amnesty is the forgiveness of something. Amnesty is anything that says, ‘Do it illegally, it will be cheaper and easier”—Marco Rubio, American senator from Florida Governments make laws and rules to conduct the affairs of management so as…
Amnesty galore in Pakistan
Huzaima Bukhari “Amnesty is the forgiveness of something. Amnesty is anything that says, ‘Do it illegally, it will be cheaper and easier”—Marco Rubio, American senator from Florida Governments make laws and rules to conduct the affairs of management so as…
Critique of tax policy
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, they should increase…
PTI: forgotten promises
Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq People of Pakistan in general and businessmen in particular are quite disillusioned with the performance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after seeing that prices of items of daily use (food, medicines, petrol, utilities) have skyrocketed…
Reforms we need
Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq In Pakistan, ironically, the less-privileged are subjected to oppressive taxation to finance the luxuries of elites who enjoy extraordinary tax-free perks and perquisites, unprecedented benefits like expensive cars, golf clubs, rest houses and awards…
PTI’s amnesty: another U-turn!
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 the…