ISLAMABAD: A day after the government imposed a ‘super tax’ on big industries and high earners, the federal finance minister suggested that they will be bringing in a host of small businesses and professionals under the tax net to replenish the empty coffers of the country.
In a series of messages posted on the microblogging network Twitter on Saturday morning, Federal Finance Minister Miftah Ismail responded to concerns of a senior businessman Musadaq Zulqarnain that salaried individuals were being taxed while small business owners such as retailers and traders were being let off the hook along with “professionals”.
“We are bringing in (gently) millions of shops into the tax net,” Miftah said, reminding the business executive that jewelers have been brought into the tax net.
“Rest assured, I will in bring all the professionals you mentioned (designers, lawyers, doctors etc) into the tax net over the next few months.
The federal finance minister went on to add that small shopkeepers and jewelers were taxed after discussions and agreements with their respective associations.
He also hinted at who else is on the government’s radar to tax.
“Now I will bring in real estate brokers, builders, housing society developers, car dealers, restaurants, salons etc in the net,” Miftah said.
