Media training on income tax was organised here on Thursday by TheNetwork for Consumer Protection and funded by USAID for building capacities of journalists to promote tax culture at district level. The training was initiated by debate on "Taxation for Development." Indeed, project co-ordinator remarked that the campaign "Taxation for Development" certainly will be a milestone for sustainable economic growth for the country.
The project is not only advocate the responsible consumerism but also identifying challenges faced during online income tax returns submission system.
Sohail Sarfraz, Chief Reporter Daily Business Recorder also presented the tax case studies which he faces during his journalism career. He also highlighted the role of Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) and how business tax cases can convert the journalist stories and lead to further investigation.
He shared his experience on innovative techniques and detailed investigation for reporting of tax fraud cases, tax scams and violations of federal tax laws.
At last, Nadeem Iqbal Executive Co-ordinator TheNetwork for Consumer Protection appreciated the role of media for their investigative reporting, which make the public offices accountable. He further added that how district journalist and those who cover the national news contribute the tax education content while reporting their tax news in the media. Their positive writings certainly at times will bring the positive change in the Pakistani society.
Mubarik Zaib Senior Staff Reporter Daily Dawn conducted the media training and shared his life time experience how he reputed on income tax reporting and legend on Agahi Award.
He also gave the alarming statistics that only 711,000 are income tax return filers in the country and only 0.4 percent people are income tax payers out of 180 million population.
TheNetwork for Consumer Protection is non government, non-profit organisation striving for consumer rights in Pakistan for last two decades. TheNetwork is a sole voting member (from Pakistan) of Consumer International, the umbrella body of world consumer organisations. TheNetwork is advocating the rights of responsible consumers in health, energy, and taxation.-PR