Prime Minister Imran Khan called on citizens to declare their assets by June 30. The premier said that people had until June 30 declare their benami assets, benami bank accounts and money that was kept abroad.
It was a long awaited speech. I do hope and recommend IK and his team should take into confidence the masses about the prevailing situation and their strategy to tackle it so that there is a general consensus on the action plan and people understand the austerity measures and contribute in it.
However, why would anybody declare assets when they can get away without paying any tax? The state looks weak to reprimand tax evaders; the same has been proved again as the upcoming budget is just a reflection of past practices. Government keeps squeezing the 1% return filers and of out of the box thinking is witnessed as yet.
There is no denying to the fact that Pakistan is getting bankrupt, hence this appeal. Pakistan is getting poorer by the day and so by effect its people too. Therefore people will have to learn and realize and acknowledge that they have become poorer.
People are not paying taxes. How will the government run the country effectively? Agreed, but its government’s responsibility to get an effective tax system implemented as soon as possible. If the government need foreign help then they may seek help from Germany or Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, and Denmark) to learn the techniques as how to collect taxes. Its 10nth month of PTI’s government but still FBR is not doing her job and people are not paying taxes. There seems no strategy to formulate an effective and efficient tax collection system. Definitely Pakistan cannot able to remain sovereign and honorable country if their tax and tax payers are not honest and corruption in Government is not curtailed.
If appeals could do the job, there wouldn’t be any problems to solve. There is no easy way out. Implement a transparent and traceable system where everything is recorded. There should not be a way to get assets without the government knowing it. But that is hard work, who has time for it. Let us just blame all that on the past politicians and talk Kashmir instead.
IK lectures on Austerity. Austerity begins from your government. Contrary to your all pre-election promises, look at the size of PM’s cabinet. PM lives a lavish life on 300 kanal palace and lectures on austerity. PM Imran Khan can find any number of tax dodgers among his own Ministers and Advisers, squeeze them first before going after the weakest targets.
Lead by example, Sir. When senior members of your party drive cars worth 2-4 crores and only pay pittance for tax then you automatically lose the moral right to demand tax from others. First, build trust by declaring assets of all your party MNAs and their entire benami assets. Then expect compliance from others. If they are unable to do so (which is already the case) then devise an alternate strategy – this roti kapra and makaan and kadam bharao schemes have been tried, tested and failed by previous governments.
When income is tight, you cut down your expenses. In order to get things right, you have to take a step back. You can’t keep living in the same manner because you will go bankrupt.
People need to know the truth, so they can do the right thing i.e. live within their means and be proud of it. The culture of corruption, cheat and loot needs to end, so that country can be put on the right track. People needs to stop being greedy and should be at peace with what they are and make.
Meanwhile the govt should continue to catch the looters and bring the looted money back. It is okay to cut a deal or do a plea bargain with the looters as long as they return the money. Also, create easy business opportunities, so that economy can grow.
Remember there is always light at the end of the tunnel. You can sit around and complain or you can pick yourself up and help everyone march towards the light.
