PM Imran Decides Against Imposing More Taxes on Public

Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan chaired a meeting of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) and directed it against overburdening the masses with more taxes. While heading the meeting of the restructured council, the PM said that instead of imposing new taxes, out-of-the-box solutions should be proposed to provide relief to the masses. He directed the members of the EAC, including the Minister for Finance, Shaukat Tarin, and economic experts, to “present a road map for economic stability and sustainable growth”. ALSO READ SBP and SECP Revise Terms of Reference of Joint Task Force He added that the EAC should remain fully functional to make suggestions on economic issues and consult further with the experts for recommendations on how to improve the economic activities in the country. The premier stated that the measures taken by the government have improved the business environment and are boosting investors’ confidence. He said, “We are eyeing to devise economic strategies in consultation with the business sector in order to ensure their sustainability,” and added that the reforms in the tax system to simplify it, even more, are among the top priorities of the government. ALSO READ Strong Business Performance Improved Bank Alfalah’s Mar ’21 Profitability By 23% On 3 April, PM Khan restructured the Economic Advisory Council (EAC), inducting members from the public and private sectors. The EAC will be headed by the PM himself, and the Minister for Finance will serve as its vice-chairman. In the absence of the PM, the Minister of Finance will head the meetings of the council. The EAC will also have an advisory and capacity enhancement relationship with the government and will engage with economic institutions collaboratively and synergistically. It will follow the consultative process and will suggest policy initiatives that will further strengthen and optimize financial and economic policies to enhance their welfare impact on the citizens.