MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON - PRA - Punjab

PUNJAB REVENUE AUTHORITYFINANCE DEPARTMENTGOVERNMENT OF THE PUNJABCIVIL SECRETARIAT, LAHOREMESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSONIn this globalized world environment, development is adream of every nation. Pakistan’s journey on development path hasunfortunately experienced several difficulties. One of the majorproblems for a country like Pakistan is the uncertainty for efficientresource mobilization. Despite continued odds of resource deficiency,Pakistan has, with the grace of Almighty Allah, performed no less thanwell on its overall development platform. Credit goes to its people whoare progressive-minded and dynamic by nature.2. Almost all eminent economists agree that the best form ofdevelopment is the one which is accomplished with nation’s ownresources and efforts. A fair and strong tax culture is no doubt one ofthe major source-cum-effort of a nation whereby it can contributemore effectively towards guaranteeing and securing better sustainableand all-inclusive development.3. Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) believes that Pakistan as anation has tremendous potential to develop and vindicate a strong andlasting tax culture. Creation of PRA is an un-precedented endeavor ofthe Punjab Government to actualize this national potential. In honourof the country’s constitutional responsibilities, PRA has initiatedcollection of sales tax on services in the province of Punjab.4. Without levying any new tax or without increasing any taxrate on services inherited from the previous sale tax tradition, PRA hasevolved its own legal and administrative system to receive andmanage sales tax on services.

5. PRA will soon become a reliable source of multiple benefitsto the province of Punjab. Focused and dedicated tax management willensure efficient generation of tax revenues, increased facilitation toand motivation-based interaction with taxpayers will boost upconfidence amongst the service sector businesses to contribute morefairly towards the development needs of the Punjab.6. Direct collection of sales tax on services will enable thePunjab Government to contain the probable drainage of revenue aswas typically happening previously. Surely, regular direct receipts ofsales tax will reduce the dependence of Punjab’s developmentstruggle on exterior channels. In nutshell, Punjab will enjoy itsinalienable rights for development and prosperity through its ownrevenue income.7. PRA is therefore, in dire need of encouragement andcooperation from the people of Punjab. Paying to the Government itsdue taxes is the best expression of nationalism and PRA is fully hopefulthat this expression will come up with more visible appearance fromthe people of Punjab in the context of Punjab Government’s efforts togenerate more resources for accelerated development and progress ofthe province.8. PRA believes that tax is a duty to the nation and people ofPunjab will sincerely come forward to perform this duty to the utmostsatisfaction of their collective conscience.____________________________