PM Shehbaz Calls for Swift Crackdown on Tax Evaders, Highlights Economic Progress
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed authorities to expedite actions against tax defaulters, evaders, and their facilitators.
“Accelerate measures to hold tax defaulters accountable and take action against those aiding tax evasion,” the premier said during a briefing by the finance ministry on the state of the economy and the recent meeting with the IMF delegation, according to a press release from the PM Office.
He emphasized that economic progress requires all stakeholders to fulfill their responsibilities, urging all sectors to contribute their share of taxes for national development. Shehbaz Sharif noted that the economy was stabilizing and pointed to brisk activity in the stock market as a sign of improving investor confidence.
Foreign investment, he stated, reflected trust in the government’s policies, while measures to boost public welfare remained a top priority.
Inflation and Interest Rates Drop
The prime minister expressed satisfaction with inflation dropping from 38% to 7% and the reduction of the interest rate from 22% to 15%, measures he said would stimulate business activity and create job opportunities.
The finance ministry updated the PM on economic indicators, efforts against tax evasion, and measures to curb those facilitating tax theft. The meeting was attended by ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Dr. Mussadik Malik, Ali Pervaiz Malik, PM Coordinator Rana Ahsan Afzal, and other senior officials.
Praise for Punjab Agriculture Reforms
PM Shehbaz lauded Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the provincial government for implementing reforms in the agriculture sector. He noted that increased exports and record remittances had contributed to higher foreign reserves.
Message of Solidarity with Bangladesh
Separately, the prime minister expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in Bangladesh due to a dengue outbreak.
Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives due to the dengue outbreak in Bangladesh,PM Shehbaz wrote on X, adding, “Pakistan stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh during this difficult time and is ready to assist in any way possible.”
