Advertisement - LAHORE, May 31 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the need to enhance tax collection and strengthen Pakistan’s economic foundation to support long-term development projects. Talking to the media at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) here on Saturday, he highlighted the importance of national unity, digital transformation, and youth empowerment as cornerstones of the country’s progress. The minister said that increasing Pakistan’s Tax-to-GDP ratio from 10 per cent to 15 per cent was essential for reducing reliance on external borrowing and ensuring self-reliance in national development. If tax revenues are not increased, the government will be forced to borrow for development work, which is not a sustainable path forward. Ahsan Iqbal stressed that a comprehensive national campaign against tax evasion was urgently needed, and that the entire nation must treat this issue as a collective responsibility. He said that the government had introduced digitization measures to improve transparency and curb tax evasion, and that the recent progress had already started yielding results. He pointed out that salaried individuals contribute over Rs 400 billion annually in taxes. Referring to developments after May 10, Ahsan Iqbal said a new image of Pakistan had emerged on the international stage, one that reflects strength, stability, and resilience. He said May 10 marked a turning point in Pakistan’s history and instilled fear in the hearts of its enemies. Even the Indian military leadership, he added, has now admitted the downing of their aircrafts by the Pakistan Air Force, which he described as a validation of Pakistan’s military capabilities. He drew a parallel between the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in the security domain and the government’s ambitions for the economic sector. He said the same discipline, strategy, and resolve must now be applied to achieve major gains in economic stability and growth. He said that exports must be significantly enhanced to ensure sustainable development, with the target of increasing exports from $32 billion to $100 billion in the coming years. He said initiatives like the faceless customs clearance system have begun producing positive outcomes and will help facilitate trade and reduce corruption. Speaking about the government’s youth and education policy, he said the Uraan Pakistan programme is focused on strengthening the education sector and providing meaningful opportunities for young people. He said the government was providing technical education, laptops, and scholarships to prepare the youth for the digital economy. “We are not training our youth to sell chickens and eggs,” he said. “We are equipping them with modern skills to meet the demands of the future.” To a question on the upcoming federal budget, Ahsan Iqbal said that budget proposals will be presented in the National Assembly on June 10. He emphasized the importance of redirecting national energy and resources toward the country’s development and prosperity. He said that both the government and the people must work hand-in-hand to halt tax theft, build a tax-paying culture, and secure Pakistan’s economic future. Earlier, Ahsan Iqbal visited the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design where he inaugurated the art exhibition in auditorium hall and toured an exhibition of students’ art work. He expressed deep appreciation for the creativity and innovation demonstrated by the students and called them Pakistan’s cultural ambassadors. He said fashion design is a trillion-dollar global industry and that Pakistan’s youth have the talent and potential to shine on global platforms like Paris and New York. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the institute, especially the lack of hostel facilities for female students, and announced that the government has released Rs. 15 million to resolve the issue. The planning minister also recorded his impressions in the institute’s visitor book, praising the administration and students for their outstanding work. Students whose designs were showcased at the exhibition included Fanan Ullah, Hufsa Idrees, Misbah Batool, Muhammad Khuram, Muhammad Mukhtar, and Tayyaba Ashfaq.