A-PM-FR praises Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq on data gathering

ISLAMABAD: The advisor to the prime minister on finance and revenue (A-PM-FR) Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired a meeting, Monday, through video-link with Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq to discuss proposals on improving the tax structure of the country with the help of effective data gathering and reconciliation mechanism.

According to an official statement, A-PM-FR Shaikh appreciated the work done by Dr. Haq for gathering data across the country from selected markets and from different chambers of commerce and industry.

Dr. Haq shared with A-PM-FR Shaikh the important inferences from data gathering exercise and suggested certain techniques for data reconciliation that could improve tax collection in a more effective manner.

The A-PM-FR said that the basic purpose of this exercise is to consult experts to seek suggestions and insights so that the fundamental problems of the tax collection system in the country could be effectively addressed.

He said that as we are preparing the next budget, we should be more vigilant, practical and analyse the opportunities and challenges offered by the current environment.

The government is ready to listen to all stakeholders to prepare a budget which is according to the need of the prevailing economic circumstances and innovative in providing solutions to the structural problems of the economy.

A-PM-FR Shaikh asked the expert to firm up his proposals in concise and doable manner and share the draft as early as possible with the ministry so that these proposals could be well incorporated in the upcoming budget.

He also directed the federal board of revenue (FBR) to collect data through multiple sources that may be best used for effective budget making exercise.

The FBR chairman, finance secretary and ex-secretary-finance Waqar Massoud Khan were also present during the meeting.