The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Sunday said Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has become one of the biggest hurdles in increasing the tax net to raise funds. The Apex tax collecting institutions have repeatedly failed the test of transparency, which has resulted in public mistrust and disbelief on the part of international lending institutions.
Masses have developed a defence mechanism against the accesses of tax officials; they are ready to pay bribes but not willing to pay taxes, say Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.
He said that why someone should pay part of his hard earned money to FBR that would not be used for national development. Instead, it will be used for personal welfare or support the princely living of rulers.
Millions spend a good part of their time to save their skin from tax authorities, which leaves them with little time to plan development of businesses, which is also barring growth, said Dr Murtaza Mughal.
Many taxpayers prefer to become tax evaders to avoid harassment, which help the mafia in FBR to achieve their goal of accumulating wealth, he added.