On Tuesday, PM Shahbaz Sharif ordered to proceed with strict measures on the ineffective TTS system. The incompetency of TTS system has led to a loss of billions of rupees through tax evasion and smuggling. The FBR director who was appointed during that tenure was also highlighted and held responsible for the poor supervision. When TTS was initially formed, Dr Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmad was the FBR chief. Consistently he was criticized for his defective management which caused the economy to suffer. The system was formed to monitor the production of cigarette manufacturing, fertilizer, sugar, and cement industries, identification of counterfeit products, and cessation of smuggling.
National Convener of the ACT Alliance Mubashir Akram also stated, “Without equitable and transparent tax collection and enforcing TTS on all largescale manufacturers, the government will struggle to meet its financial targets,” The Track trace system was intended to be vital in countering illicit trade but lack of enforcement from officials proved unproductive.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers like, Ahad Khan Cheema, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jahanzaib Khan, Chairman FBR Malik Amjad Zubair Tiwana and others. The members of the inquiry committee Secretary Finance Imdad Bosal, Awais Kundi, Nauman Khalid and some others were also present.
The PM was presented with a comprehensive report of inquiry, based on which he made critiques and gave directives. The PM also appreciated the inquiry committee for presenting a thorough report.
