ISLAMABAD: The publication of citizens’ tax directory is a welcome step forward but the decision of concealing the names of tax defaulters brings under question the Pakistani government’s intentions to go after the offenders of tax laws.
By withholding the information about those who didn’t file tax returns, a wrong message has been sent to those who complied with the tax laws: don’t submit tax returns if you wish to be unnamed in the directory.
“I am pleased to present the Annual Tax Directory of all taxpayers for the tax year 2013 This tax directory provides the name, NTN and amount of tax paid by those who had filed their returns,” reads the foreword of the directory attributed to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
Dar has undoubtedly taken a courageous step by releasing the tax data that was until recently treated as classified record through wrong interpretations of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001. Now, as the tax record has been made public, the same law has been referred to support the decision of publishing the directory.
Dar deserves appreciation for braving a lot of pressure from politicians and business community. He started from the lawmakers whose directory was released on February 15 and the latest one uploaded on the FBR website Tuesday night comprises details of all taxpaying citizens.
However, hiding the names of those who are persistent tax defaulters is a cruel joke with the tax return-filers.
Filing of income tax return is mandatory in accordance with Section 115 (1) of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.
INTERNEWS
