Tax payment vital for countryÂ’s growth: Kaira

[Waqas 48]

KARAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Saturday that every one should pay taxes as it was vital for progress of the country.He was talking to the media at the 54th death anniversary of Maulana Zafar Ali Khan.Kaira said that all of us should pay taxes to prove commitment and loyalty to the country as there was no way out except to pay taxes in a tough economic situation in the country.The minister said that RGST was not a new tax rather the government had reformed the earlier general sales tax to ensure its collection in a more rational and just manner.Kaira stressed on collective efforts to remove corruption, tax evasion and other ills from society. He said that corruption could not be weeded out without the role of all segments of society. He said that past governments did not pay attention to check it.On price hike, he said the government was making efforts for controlling inflation, unemployment and other social issues. "Checking the price of sugar is primarily a responsibility of the provincial governments," he added.Kaira said the government had focused on the betterment of the industrial sector for generating employment opportunities and increasing revenues. "Special attention is being paid to improve working of WAPDA, railways and other institutions," he added.Earlier addressing the event, the federal minister paid rich tribute to Maulana Zafar Ali Khan. He said Maulana Zafar was a beacon of light for media people and politicians in the country. He stressed in following Maulana Zafar''s footsteps to meet challenges on various fronts."Nations which ignore their benefactors cannot flourish in the comity of nations," he added.He offered Fateha and laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum of Maulana Zafar Ali Khan.Senior columnist Talat Hussain, Asif Bhhali, Masood Ali Khan, Sajad Mir, Rauf Tahir and Rehana Bibi were also present on the occasion.