Generate own resources to overcome economic challenges: CJ asks authorities

Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Saturday urged the authorities to generate own resources to overcome the economic challenges rather than seeking help from other countries at the cost of sovereignty and self-respect. He was speaking at an annual dinner of Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA), at a local hotel here.
He stressed upon the authorities to decide the banking, tax, duty, levy and cess cases within 6 months, saying that the culture of avoidance of tax and its evasion has been observed in the society, which is persistently creeping up. The Chief Justice said the potential targeted amount of money expected from the collection of taxes, which is like a life blood for the national activities, usually does not reach the exchequer. He said proper check and balance system with zero tolerance for corruption could be useful in gaining the public confidence in this regard. "Certainly, improvement in the system of taxation can be achieved by contribution of your precious and valuable experience," he added.
Moreover, he said taxpayers would also be encouraged if they are provided with one-window operation facilities and their disputes are resolved expeditiously at every level including Federal Tax Ombudsman, Federal Board of Revenue and courts. He urged the Bar representatives to forward cases related to taxation issues to the apex body to determine the same. He made it clear that judiciary is fully aware of the contours of its power and jurisdiction which the Constitution has vested in it. He said the judiciary has resolved to protect the hard-earned money of taxpayers and bring it back to the exchequer from the clutches of the usurpers.
He said Karachi has been tormented by the evils of Bhatta (extortion) culture which discourages investment and shies people away from making investment. He added that it is the need of the hour to eliminate this culture and provide safe environment to promote investment. He quoted James Bryce, "Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong."
He said it was the responsibility of the provincial government and the executive to ensure the protection of fundamental rights, smooth running of economic and commercial activities including elimination of 'no-go areas', illegal shutterdowns and strikes.
"It is crucial that the judgement of the Supreme Court is implemented in letter and spirit to restore peace and tranquillity in Karachi, the major business and economic hub of the country," he added. It is not possible to move the chariot of justice without co-operation of all the stakeholders. The Bar is a vital pillar of the administration of justice system.
The Bar was kept on board at the time of formulation of National Judicial Policy as well as its subsequent amendments. He said priority should be given to the disposal of trade, commercial and investment cases and these cases should be managed on fast-track basis through establishment of designated courts and by constituting special benches by High Courts and Supreme Court. He said the Prosperity Index Score 2011 developed by Legatum Institute London has put Pakistan at 107th position among a list of 110 countries. He also dedicated his lifetime achievement award given by the KTBA on his efforts to all judges, lawyers and legal experts, representatives from all the other relevant fields, who took part in the movement for judiciary restoration and offered his award to be placed in Sindh High Court.
Earlier, Anwar Kashif Mumtaz, President, KTBA in his address of welcome said corruption in the FBR has reached the mammoth figure of Rs 6 billion but unfortunately nothing has been done to redress it and the government has failed to confront the FBR about the said corruption, which is increasing each passing day.
He said the performance of the FBR is gradually declining as out of total collection of income tax Rs 584 billion, the payment through advance tax and with returns was Rs 208 billion and under withholding regime was Rs 358 billion, reflecting that only Rs 18 billion was collected by creating demands by the officers.
He said massive leakages and corruption - case of thousands missing containers is just the tip of the iceberg - depriving the country of billions of rupees under customs duty alone. He further said the tax to GDP ratio was 12 percent but due to the weak performance and corrupt 'approach' of FBR it declined to 9 percent.
He said the Bar had repeatedly suggested to the FBR to make wise and viable policies to increase the confidence of taxpayers but they failed to understand and rather than shifting the focus to the non-taxpayers, started squeezing the existing taxpayers by conducting audit every year which enhances the harassment and corruption.
Later, Justice Mushir Alam, Chief Justice, Sindh High Court shared his golden memories with Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and lauded his efforts for the restoration of judiciary. A large number of Bar members, FBR officials and others were present on the occasion.