Budget 2023
Hopes amid historic disappointmentsHuzaima Bukhari“Hope is the only bee that makes honey without flowers”—Robert Green IngersollEach year, just before announcement of budget for the forthcoming financial year, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) receives many proposals by accounting professionals, the…
Women—objectified creatures
Huzaima Bukhari“Sexual objectification doesn’t get oppressive until is done consistently, and to a specific group of people, and with no regard whatsoever paid to their humanity”—Laurie PennyWhy is it that usually when a woman, regardless of her age or physical…
Future lies in intercropping
Abdul Rauf Shakoori & Dr. Ikramul HaqPakistan’s economic problems are widening. The new government is trying to save the country from default. The government’s recent decision to raise energy prices is being taken as a step to meet International Monetary…
Budget 2023
Bridging the huge tax gapDr. Ikramul Haq The federal budget for fiscal year 2023 to be presented on 10 June 2023 by the Federal Finance Minister, Miftah Ismail, after inconclusive negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Doha, Qatar, from…
Economic cost of political shenanigans
Abdul Rauf Shakoori & Dr. Ikramul HaqGovernments around the world take responsibility of providing enabling environment where individuals, institutions, and businesses can flourish and explore various avenues to prosper. Among many other things, this includes providing food and shelter, access…
Budgets beyond balance!
Huzaima Bukhari“The budget doesn’t have much control over the government. Then again, the government doesn’t have much control over the budget”—P.J. O’RourkeEvery year around the months of May and June, the government in Pakistan is confronted with perhaps the most…
The new government and budget for 2023
Abdul Rauf Shakoori & Dr. Ikramul HaqThe present coalition government, led by Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), is charged with uphill task of preparing one the most difficult and critical financial budget for the next fiscal year. Pakistan will be moving…
The myth of equity
Huzaima Bukhari“Don’t expect to pull up the weak by pulling down the strong”—Calvin CoolidgeA just society is the dream of every human being who lives on this planet although such terms as equality, equity and fairness are interpreted in different…
Illicit cigarettes trade: health & tax issues
Dr. Ikramul Haq“Only two [tobacco] companies pay 98 percent of total tax [tobacco collection]. The remaining 40% companies pay meagre 2% tax”—Prime Minister, Imran Khan“Cigarette manufacturers across the country are evading millions of rupees in taxes through fraudulent methods in…