Aurangzeb vows to continue reforms on taxation, energy

Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has reiterated the government's resolve to carry on with broad-based reforms on taxation, energy and SOE fronts. He was talking to US Ambassador Donald Blome, who called on him in Islamabad today. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government is committed to raise the country's tax to GDP ratio to 13.5 per cent by plugging leakages and bringing untaxed sectors in the net. He said the government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved a comprehensive transformation plan for FBR. The Minister called the macroeconomic reforms "work in progress" and pointed to more serious challenges of climate change and child stunting which threatened to perpetuate inequalities and disrupt the pace of economic growth and stability in Pakistan over the medium to long term. He said Pakistan looks forward to building climate resilience through adaptation reforms and averting malnutrition with the technical and financial support of development partners for ensuring holistic development goals. US Ambassador Donald Blome appreciated Pakistan's efforts for improving macroeconomic stability and lauded the government for initiating challenging and bold reforms, particularly in the taxation and energy sectors. He reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in technical and development initiatives, and promoting high-quality US investment for economic growth of Pakistan. Source: Radio Pakistan