High Taxpayers to Receive Honorary Ambassador Status and Blue Passports: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the pivotal role of taxpayers in Pakistan’s development, acknowledging their contributions to boosting exports and tackling economic challenges.

Speaking at the Tax Excellence Awards 2024 ceremony in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between the federation and provinces to address economic issues and streamline decision-making processes.

“We have to work together to solve the country’s economic conditions and challenges. The federation has to solve the problems together with the provinces,” the PM resolved, stressing that the red-tape has to be done away with.

He announced the commencement of the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) restructuring next month and emphasized the need to curb reliance on expensive oil for electricity production. PM Shehbaz lamented the country’s debt burden and stressed the necessity of another IMF program for survival, while also highlighting Pakistan’s strong relations with China and progress in the second phase of CPEC.

Additionally, he revealed plans to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and introduced initiatives to incentivize taxpayers, including issuing tax cards and awarding blue passports to high taxpayers.

“Mian Mansha paid the highest tax of Rs26 billion. Blue passports will be issued to high taxpayers, while the government will issue tax cards also. Big taxpayers will get the status of honorary ambassadors of Pakistan,” the PM announced.

The PM condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and pledged continued advocacy for an independent Palestinian state.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb echoed PM Shehbaz’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of direct taxes and digitization in the tax system to boost revenues and enhance economic growth.