PESHAWAR: Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Asim Ahmed has termed the current financial situation in the country as ‘critical’.

“Economic situation [in the country] is critical and there is a shortfall in revenue. We will soon overcome the tax gap,” Mr Ahmad said during his address at a function held at the Customs House here on Thursday to mark the International Customs Day.

He added that the Rs7.47 trillion revenue target would be achieved since those who had not been paying tax would be brought under the tax net.

The FBR chairman said that the collectorate had shifted to direct taxes adding direct tax collection would be more than indirect tax collection during the current financial year.

He said the Torkham border crossing was operational round the clock and added that steps were being taken to operationalise other border crossings on the same pattern.

“We don’t have any issues for operationalising the border crossing for round the clock services, the other side [Afghanistan] has,” Mr Ahmad said.

However, Afghanistan’s Consul General in Peshawar Hafiz Mohibullah stated that there was no issue on their side of the border.

“Trade is what develops nations because more we have good relations, the more the volume of trade will increase,” Mohibullah told Dawn, adding “it [trade activities] will strengthen our relations”.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2023

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...