PDP asks why agri, retail sectors continue to evade tax net

KARACHI: Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), Vice Chairman Azam Minhas has said that every year on the occasion of the budget, the government puts the burden of taxes on the people who are already exhausted from paying various direct and indirect taxes, while the influential classes, large agricultural incomes, elements earning billions of rupees through black economy and smuggling continue to be outside the tax net.

The question remains as to what is the obstacle in effectively bringing the agriculture and retail sectors into the tax net? Pakistan’s agricultural economy is equal in size to the industrial sector, but most of the tax burden is placed on industries while big agricultural interests enjoy a free pass. As a result of this unfair policy, the industrial sector is under severe pressure.

He said that multinational companies are shifting their capital out of Pakistan due to heavy taxes, policy inconsistencies and poor business environment, which is a matter of concern for the country’s economy.

If a conducive environment for investment is not provided, employment opportunities will further decrease. He demanded that higher taxes be imposed on luxury goods instead of taxes on common consumer goods. The rich class should be brought into the tax net and their rightful share should be collected in the national exchequer. In the context of energy crisis and expensive electricity, solar panels should be made completely duty-free so that the people can benefit from alternative energy sources and the burden on the national grid is reduced.

The government should ensure justice, transparency and equality in the tax system and build the national economy on a strong foundation. If politicians really want to see the country developed and prosperous, they must first eliminate corruption.

Until accountability is equal for all and the looting of national resources is stopped, the dream of economic stability and public prosperity cannot be realized.

PDP Vice Chairman Azam Minhas further said that why is the government’s resolve to impose taxes on the elite weakening? Smuggling has become a scourge for the country’s economy, but effective measures are not seen to prevent it.

Similarly, the vast black economy in the country is not hidden from the eyes of the government, but serious efforts are not being made to bring it into the tax net. Corruption has hollowed out government institutions. If indiscriminate action is not taken against the elements involved in corruption, all claims of economic reforms will remain meaningless. There is a severe crisis of governance in the country and the people are deprived of basic facilities.

He said that the sad reality is that everyone is seen naked in the bath of corruption, while only the common citizen is suffering the consequences.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026