Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reportedly acknowledged that the tempo of Asset Declaration Scheme, 2019, commonly known Amnesty Scheme of PTI government, is not different from PML-N government''s scheme of 2018. This picture was painted during the Federal Cabinet meeting held on June 18, 2019, presided over by Prime Minister, Imran Khan. Former Finance Minister, Dr Miftah Ismail maintains that the incumbent government will not be able to collect even half the money raised by the 2018 scheme, despite the fact the government is working so hard to make it successful.
The sources said the cabinet was informed that a compressive implementation program had been framed to ensure successful implementation of the Asset Declaration Ordinance 2019. The cabinet was further informed that in line with Amnesty Scheme, 2019 the actual payments received and declaration filed by the people are low; however, a huge number of drafts are visible on the system which shows that people have started the process of filing declarations and deposits are likely to pick up pace during the last days of the scheme as last year.
It was stated that the major utility companies like KE and SSGC have been persuaded to issue letters to their consumers sensitizing them to avail the benefit under ADO-2019. KE has issued 60,000 letters to its consumers. Further, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) has begun issuing letters from Monday (yesterday) to 4000 industrial consumers, 72,000 commercial consumers and 50,000 large domestic consumers.
According to sources, data has been acquired of all commercial and industrial consumers of all Discos and they have been sent letters to avail the Amnesty Scheme. Data has been acquired of all commercial and industrial consumers of SNGPL and they have been sent out letters to avail this Scheme.
Nadra has made individual pleas through "e-sahoolat markaz" from June 21, 2019, at a fee of Rs 500 per person, in respect of financial transactions, property transactions, motor vehicles and other significant data in their names. Federal Board of Revenue''s (FBR''s) data in respect of large monetary transactions has been made available in IRIS from June 18, 2019 after incorporation of data from banks.
The cabinet was informed that FBR designated TVCs were aired in three phases on 18 leading news channels in prime time. The first phase of four- day electronic media campaign commenced from May 23 till May 26. In the second phase, a three-day electronic media campaign was launched from May 29 to May 31, 2019. The third phase commenced from June 7, and lasted till June 14, 2019.
The first phase of print media campaign commenced from May 25 and lasted till May 27, 2019. In these three days, specially designed advertisements were published in 32 leading newspapers. In the second phase i.e. on June 9, June 12 and June 14, 2019 the number of newspapers was 42, 44, and 41 respectively.
FBR''s call centre has been established providing 24/7 service. During the period from May 27 to June 3, 2019, approximately 410 calls were attended on the helpline. It is expected that this number will rise as the deadline draws closer.
Interactive sessions with all stakeholders were undertaken including Chambers of Commerce, ICAP, trade bodies, tax bars, real estate sector businesses and dealers, business and professional associations, trade unions, market committee, Anjuman-e-Tajran, etc.
The Cabinet took note of the presentation made by the Revenue Division and decided that Revenue Division will consult State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Nadra and all relevant stakeholders and beef up its communication strategy for convenience and awareness of the people and educate the masses to seek maximum benefit from the Asset Declaration Scheme.