Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, in a recent press conference alongside the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), shed light on widespread tax evasion by various companies across different sectors in Pakistan. He highlighted that several businesses, including the steel industry, are engaged in tax fraud amounting to Rs. 29 billion. This startling revelation underscored the magnitude of sales tax evasion in the country and the detrimental impact it has on Pakistan’s economy.
The minister revealed that the overall scale of tax evasion is much larger, with an estimated Rs. 128 billion worth of sales tax being evaded annually across multiple industries. Breaking down the figures, Aurangzeb pointed out that in the textile industry alone, Rs. 23 billion is evaded in sales tax. Similarly, in the cement sector, companies involved in coal-related business are evading Rs. 18 billion, while Rs. 11 billion is being evaded by companies manufacturing batteries. The beverages sector also contributes to this widespread tax fraud, with an estimated Rs. 15 billion in sales tax being evaded.
Aurangzeb expressed strong disapproval of these companies’ actions and emphasized that such fraudulent practices can no longer be tolerated. He made it clear that the government will not hesitate to enforce strict measures to combat tax evasion. The minister underscored that these evasion tactics by corporations not only harm the economy but also undermine the country’s fiscal policies and efforts to improve revenue collection.
Addressing the importance of increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio, Aurangzeb mentioned that the government aims to raise this ratio to 13.5%. This step is crucial for ensuring that the country’s tax revenues are sufficient to support its developmental goals and public services. By curbing sales tax evasion, the government hopes to collect a more substantial amount of revenue that can be channeled toward national development projects.
Furthermore, the FBR Chairman reiterated the government’s commitment to taking action against tax evaders, regardless of whether they are employees or taxpayers. He emphasized that no one involved in tax fraud, at any level, will be spared from legal consequences. The Chairman assured the public that the FBR is taking steps to strengthen its enforcement mechanisms and improve oversight in order to clamp down on such widespread tax evasion. This involves identifying individuals and companies that are involved in sales tax fraud and holding them accountable under the law.
The FBR’s strategy to address these issues will likely involve heightened scrutiny of companies suspected of tax fraud, enhanced coordination between tax authorities, and the use of technology to track sales and financial transactions. The aim is to improve transparency in the system and make it harder for companies to engage in such deceptive practices.
Aurangzeb concluded the conference by stating that while the government remains open to dialogue and engagement with businesses, it will not tolerate dishonesty or fraudulent behavior. The minister’s remarks signal the government’s firm stance on tax enforcement and its determination to recover lost revenues through stringent measures.
This crackdown on tax evasion is part of the government’s broader efforts to stabilize the economy, improve fiscal discipline, and ensure that businesses operate within the legal framework. It is also aimed at fostering a culture of tax compliance, which is essential for the country’s long-term economic growth and sustainability.
