PESHAWAR
\nA high-profile advocacy event organized by the ACT Alliance in Peshawar brought together key provincial and local leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the pressing challenges of illicit trade, tax evasion, smuggling, and counterfeiting in Pakistan.
\nThe event held here the other day, highlighted the urgent need for decisive government action to counter \u201cthe threats to Pakistan\u2019s economy.\u201d Mubashir Akram, National Convenor of ACT Alliance, briefed the attendees on the severe economic consequences of these illicit activities, which collectively cost Pakistan\u2019s economy an estimated $100 billion each year.
\nIn attendance were prominent figures from the political spectrum and government bodies, including Muhammad Zubair, Mayor of Peshawar; Behar Ullah, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami; Zulqarnain, President of the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce; Farhad Khan, President of ANP; Sania Javed, Deputy Speaker; Sobia Khan, Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA); Dr. Ibad, Leader of the Opposition; Malik Liaquat, Population Minister; and Mehrunnisa, former MPA. The leaders expressed deep concern over the scope of these issues and pledged to support more stringent policies to counteract the harmful impacts on Pakistan\u2019s economy.
\nIn his opening remarks, Muhammad Zubair, Mayor of Peshawar, voiced his gratitude to the ACT Alliance for shedding light on the critical economic damage caused by illicit trade. \u201cThe insights shared informed us about the staggering economic losses our province and country suffer from illicit trade. It is a wake-up call for us to take immediate action,\u201d he said, calling provincial authorities to partner with federal agencies and industry leaders to tackle these issues effectively.
\nMubashir Akram provided an in-depth presentation on the scale of the challenge, citing that retail, POL (petroleum, oil, and lubricants), real estate, and tobacco sectors are among the most significant contributors to tax evasion in Pakistan.
\nBehar Ullah, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, spoke passionately about the socio-economic impact of illicit trade on ordinary citizens. \u201cFor too long, we have let this go unchecked, thinking it only affects the wealthy. Today, we see the reality\u2014it impacts us all, eroding our economy, public services, and opportunities for future growth. This fight needs collective social and political action,\u201d he stated.
\nZulqarnain, President of the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the need for a focused approach to eradicate counterfeiting and smuggling, particularly in the retail sector, and said that the businesses are being stifled by those who evade taxes and undermine legitimate enterprise.
\nFarhad Khan, President of ANP, highlighted the provincial government\u2019s role in leading the fight against illicit trade. \u201cWe, as representatives of the people, must ensure that policies reflect the seriousness of this issue. The provincial government must work closely with federal agencies to crack down on these networks, and we must act swiftly to mitigate further damage.\u201d
\nExpressing shock over the staggering losses to the national exchequer, Deputy Speaker Sania Javed underscored the need for strict action. \u201cAs policymakers, we must uphold the integrity of our economic system.
\nToday\u2019s revelations remind us that our legislative frameworks must be fortified to prevent such economic bleedings,\u201d she said.
\nSobia Khan, MPA, added her voice to the call for accountability, urging that anti-smuggling laws be implemented immediately. \u201cWe cannot afford to let such loopholes go unchecked. The FBR and provincial law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure that those who participate in illicit trade are brought to justice,\u201d she said.
\nDr. Ibad, Leader of the Opposition, expressed his solidarity with the initiative and stressed the importance of holding those involved in illicit trade accountable. \u201cThis is a moment for unity. Regardless of political affiliations, we must collectively strive to protect Pakistan\u2019s economic health from being undermined by unscrupulous actors,\u201d he affirmed.
\nPopulation Minister Malik Liaquat echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the broader impact of tax evasion on public welfare programs. \u201cEvery rupee lost to smuggling and tax evasion is a rupee taken from the people of Pakistan. We cannot stand idle while our economy suffers,\u201d he concluded, pledging to rally support within the provincial government for more stringent policies.
\nFormer MPA Mehrunnisa commended ACT Alliance for their dedicated efforts, noting, \u201cToday\u2019s briefing has been enlightening. We must appreciate and support such initiatives that aim to curb the negative forces acting against our economy.\u201d
\nThe event concluded with a unanimous call for urgent action and a collective pledge from the attendees to advocate for more robust policies and enforcement mechanisms. ACT Alliance\u2019s advocacy effort has now spotlighted the pressing need for decisive action from all sectors of society to protect Pakistan\u2019s economic future.
\nThe organization has called on the provincial and federal governments to take serious measures against these issues, acknowledging that a coordinated and collective response is the only path to safeguard Pakistan\u2019s economy from the adverse effects of illicit trade and tax evasion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR A high-profile advocacy event organized by the ACT Alliance in Peshawar brought together key provincial and local leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the pressing challenges of illicit trade, tax evasion, smuggling, and counterfeiting in Pakistan. The event held here the other day, highlighted the urgent need for decisive government action to counter \u201cthe […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-442858","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-peshawar"},"yoast_head":"\n