Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has dispelled rumours of a deal between government and opposition members.
The COAS was speaking at a gathering arranged by the National Defence University (NDU). In attendance were around 50 businessmen including top exporters, industrialists and members of chambers. Moreover, Finance Minister Dr Hafeez Sheikh, Minister of Industries Razzaq Dawood and Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Shabbar Zaidi were also present at the event.
The army chief assured the top businessmen of the country that the government would ensure that their genuine demands were met on a priority basis.
A businessman who was in attendance informed Naya Daur that the army chief said that businessmen play a key role in the progress of a country and every businessman should make sure that they pay their share of taxes.
The source said that the NDU had arranged this gathering to facilitate an open dialogue between the key ministers and the business community. It was for the first time that key ministers and the FBR chairman were being openly asked questions by businessmen.
During the event, the army chief also dispelled the impression that a deal was going to take place between the government and some politicians. The COAS said, “Don’t believe what the media reports. Those who have committed corruption will be held accountable irrespective of which political party or government department they belong to.”
General Qamar Bajwa said that Pakistan was passing through a difficult time and we all had our share in making Pakistan where it stood today.
Most of the questions were addressed to the FBR Chairman and pertained to the high rate of taxes and non-payment of tax refunds. The FBR chairman assured a mechanism to pay the refunds would be developed soon.