Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized urgent action against tax defaulters and evaders during a meeting held in Islamabad. Leading the session, he advocated for the formation of a committee tasked with pinpointing obstacles and holding individuals accountable within the track and trace system. This committee, as per a statement from the PM Office Media Wing, is expected to identify such hurdles and culprits related to tax evasion within a seven-day timeframe.
Additionally, the committee is mandated to propose future strategies for implementing automated tax systems across various sectors, particularly in factories and industries. Prime Minister Shehbaz questioned the delay in activating this system, stressing its overdue implementation in vital sectors like tobacco, sugar, cement, and fertilizer industries within the past two years. He emphasized the need to extend its application to other crucial segments of the economy.
Shehbaz called for the removal of all legal barriers hindering the enforcement of the track and trace system, especially in cement factories, and demanded a comprehensive plan for digital strategy and automated tracking. He insisted on the immediate sealing of factories resisting the implementation of this system.
In addition to revenue collection, the Prime Minister highlighted the system’s potential in combating counterfeit and substandard products, particularly emphasizing the eradication of fake and unregistered cigarettes. He acknowledged the economic challenges facing the nation and attributed them partially to the nefarious activities of certain elements harming the national economy. Shehbaz urged the collaboration of international institutions in bolstering the track and trace system.
Officials reported that while the track and trace system was fully operational in 14 tobacco factories, 12 others had been sealed due to non-compliance. While facing technical glitches in sugar and cement industries, the system was functioning smoothly in the fertilizers sector, with efforts underway to address the challenges.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers, including Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jehanzaib Khan, FBR Chairman Malik Amjad Zubair Tiwana, and other senior officials.
