‘Transparent amnesty scheme is just what the economy needs’

A transparent tax amnesty scheme will help broadening the tax-to GDP ratio and boosting up our rusting economy, a business leader said Thursday.
FBR’s scheme can yield Rs100 billion which makes it key to overcome expected revenue shortfall and meet tax collection target, said Munawar Mughal, former president Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Talking to Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President Pakistan Economy Watch and Mr. Baig Raj, President of the Punjab Forum, he said that liberalised trade with India will destroy local industry and agriculture at a time when energy shortages have left almost every business uncompetitive.
Policymakers should give a second thought to granting MFN status to India as some 25 per cent of the textile industry has already relocated overseas which will be accelerated, he stressed.
Mr. Munawar Mughal, who is also the former chairman Founder Group said that closure of CNG will sink investments amounting to Rs 400 billion while it be push up the oil import bill, transportation costs, inflation and environmental pollution.
At the occasion, Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that liquid gas mafia and petroleum mafia is bent upon destroying CNG sector with the help of black sheep in the Petroleum Ministry and Ogra.
He said that India wants free trade while conspiring to destroy Pakistan’s agriculture through water terrorism.
Dr Asim Hussain, adviser to the prime minister on petroleum, has not only failed to deliver but he has also brought a bad name to the government which was already struggling with image problem, he said.
Dr. Murtaza Mughal demanded a probe in the deals closed by the adviser made while keeping personal welfare in mind and ignoring national interests.
Asking the government to relieve Dr. Asim which has become a liability for the ruling coalition or he should demonstrate courage to resign for his failures and wrongdoings.