I will quit if I need to, but I will not come under any pressure: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has affirmed his commitment to the nation, stating that he will resign if necessary but will not succumb to pressure. During his visit to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Headquarters on Saturday, the prime minister directed FBR authorities to develop a strategy to expand the tax base without burdening honest taxpayers.
The prime minister emphasized that the government’s primary goal is to steer Pakistan towards progress by consistently improving economic indicators. “Though it may be a difficult journey requiring collective and individual efforts, sincerity, and sacrifices, we must prioritize national interests above all else,” he stated.
Highlighting the staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a positive sign for the country’s economy, he expressed optimism that the IMF board would endorse the arrangement.
Shehbaz Sharif conveyed confidence that Pakistan could achieve greatness and prosperity through collective and individual efforts. He urged the FBR to impose taxes on those who have been evading them, stressing the importance of leveraging the latest technology, including artificial intelligence, to broaden revenue resources. The digitization of the FBR, he noted, should be fully utilized in this regard.
The prime minister instructed the FBR chairman to bring all hidden issues within the department to the forefront without delay. He made it clear that any lapses would not be tolerated, asserting that determination combined with sincerity paves the way for future success.
“I will quit if I need to, but I will not come under any pressure. I want that to be loud and clear,” he declared.