Ahsan Iqbal Says Development Impossible Without Taxes, Urges Public Cooperation Against Tax Evasion

By Our Staff Reporter Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore — Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan’s economic recovery depends on public cooperation in paying taxes, emphasizing that development work cannot be carried out without revenue generation.

Speaking at a ceremony in Narowal, the minister said that Pakistan’s economy is showing signs of gradual improvement, and the government is taking concrete steps to address the electricity, gas, and energy crises.

“When we came to power, all sectors, including the economy, were in ruins. Gradually, all are improving,” Ahsan Iqbal said. He added that once economic stability is achieved, the government will aim to reduce electricity and gas tariffs to ease the burden on consumers.

He noted that while the Prime Minister and the government wish to reduce tax rates, such measures can only be implemented if tax evasion is curtailed. “It is the duty of honest taxpayers to assist the government in identifying tax evaders. If tax evasion continues, the burden on the salaried class will keep increasing,” he said.

The minister stressed that development work is impossible without taxes, adding, “The government does not have a money-printing machine. All development and welfare projects must be funded through collected taxes.”

Highlighting Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio of 10.5 percent, Iqbal compared it with similar economies where the ratio ranges between 16 and 18 percent, underscoring the need to expand the tax base.

He further remarked that just as the armed forces are sacrificing their lives in the fight against terrorism, the people must show the same commitment in supporting the nation’s economic stability. “Failing to do so would be an injustice to the sacrifices of our forces,” he concluded.