THIS is with reference to the editorial ‘Failed tax target’ (Oct 17), which rightly observed that the ‘voluntary’ Tajir Dost Scheme has failed, and held the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) primarily responsible for its failure. However, if we take the voluntary nature of the scheme into account, the greater blame of the failure rests with the taxpayers. We usually do not hold the people responsible for the dismal tax collection of only 9.5 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

A report about the meeting of FBR chairman with members of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in Karachi cited that the top 5pc of the wealthiest people are not paying their taxes.

Surprisingly, the senior vice-president of the FPCCI criticised the fact that the revenue collection budget for the current fiscal year had been increased by 40pc, when the economy was growing at only 2pc. This remark clearly shows the mindset of the taxpayers. There is no direct relationship between the rate of growth of the economy and the increase in the stipulated hike in the total tax collection target. It is no wonder that the poor chairman of the FBR has appealed time and again that the taxpayers shun evasion.

My lifetime’s experience with the tax collection agencies tells me that we are a nation of chronic tax evaders who are not even apologetic about it. Not many pay their due income tax, and every effort is made to evade sales tax.

The central excise duty is routinely collected from the customers, but is not paid to the exchequer in a large number of cases. Action against the evaders is not taken because they happen to be powerful. Besides, they can also be in some unholy nexus with the corrupt elements within the tax collection agency.

The tax evaders know their power. They realise that the governments in Pakistan are often too weak to withstand their protests and strikes. It is just about time we stopped blaming the others for the maladies affecting our country, especially its economy, and discharged our national duty for a healthy economy and a prosperous future for one and all.

Shamim Ahmad
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2024