Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday said that the sales tax on goods is under federal jurisdiction. However, he suggested that the responsibility for collecting it should be given to the provinces. He said this approach would help ease the financial difficulties faced by the federal government.
Bilawal explained that provinces should collect the revenue and pass it on to the centre. He added that if a province collects more than the federal target, the surplus should be returned to that province. According to him, such a system would improve coordination between the federal and provincial governments while ensuring fair revenue distribution.
The PPP chairman also highlighted a shortfall of three trillion in the collection of sales tax on goods. He said reforms are needed in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to turn it into an institution trusted by the business community. Bilawal emphasized that a credible and efficient FBR is essential for Pakistan’s economic stability.
Bilawal further stressed the importance of the trading community, describing it as a key pillar of the economy. He assured that his party would continue efforts to address traders’ concerns and strengthen government-business relations. He said cooperation between the government and the trading sector would benefit the overall economy.
Speaking on taxation, Bilawal urged every Pakistani to pay taxes not as a burden but as a duty. He noted that the federal government faces financial challenges, and it is the responsibility of all citizens to contribute toward resolving them.
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In conclusion, Bilawal highlighted that provincial collection of sales tax, a strong FBR, and support for traders are vital steps toward a stable and growing economy. His remarks underline the need for reforms that balance federal authority with provincial participation in revenue collection.
