Aurangzeb warns non-filers of 'strict restrictions' as Pakistan clinches $7bn IMF deal

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has warned non-filers of strict restrictions which will “further limit their ability to conduct various activities,” as Pakistan secured International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board’s approval for a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

A day earlier, the Washington-based lender sealed the deal with Islamabad, approving Pakistan's loan with its first tranche of $1.1 billion likely to be released by September 30, 2024.

The interest rate on the loan is less than 5%, sources in the Ministry of Finance said, adding the IMF may disburse the second instalment within this fiscal year.

The cash-strapped country had to undertake a slew of measures demanded by the IMF, including broadening the tax next, enforcing tax on agricultural income, and increasing the electricity and natural gas prices.

In an interview with Voice of America today, the FinMin emphasised that fundamental economic reforms were needed to make the existing IMF programme “the last one for the country”.

“Transformation of the economy into an export-driven one necessitates structural reforms, only then could the country move forward in the next three years.”

Aurangzeb said, the friendly countries have assured financial support to meet the financial needs through the new Fund programme.

“We had no choice but to implement economic reforms, which included bringing sectors currently outside the tax net into the fold,” he noted.

However, the minister said, the burden on salaried and manufacturing classes would be reduced and highlighted the need to bring into tax net the retailers, wholesalers, agriculture, and property sectors.

He said that despite a 29% increase in revenues last year, the tax-to-GDP ratio remained at 9%, which is insufficient to stabilise any country’s economy.

In line with the conditions of IMF — which had repeatedly demanded improved tax collection, the federal government presented the tax-loaded Rs18.877 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) in June.

The budget aimed at raising Rs13 trillion by next July, a roughly 40% increase from the current financial year, to bring down a ruinous debt burden that has caused 57% of government revenue to be swallowed by interest payments.

In response to a question, Aurangzeb mentioned that the government was abolishing the term “non-filer” and will impose restrictions on tax evaders, limiting their ability to conduct various activities.

On Tuesday, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced a series of restrictions targeting non-filers to enhance tax compliance and broaden the tax base by abolishing the non-filer category, as per The News report.

The initial restrictions include purchasing property, buying cars, investing in mutual funds, opening current accounts and engaging in international travel, except those for religious purposes.

Elimination of the non-filer category means that individuals who previously paid a small fee to avoid taxes on these transactions will no longer be able to evade tax obligations.

In today's interview, the finance minister also noted that the government possesses data on individuals’ lifestyles, including the number of vehicles owned, international travel, and other expenditures. This information will enable the FBR to bring tax evaders into the tax net without arrest, he added.

He pointed out that Pakistan’s undocumented economy has been valued at Rs.9 trillion, which needed to be documented.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif believed that business should be handled by the private sector and not by the government. To achieve this, the cabinet’s privatisation committee has advanced the privatisation process of government institutions to its final stages”, he added.

PM Shehbaz meets IMF chief

On Thursday (today), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York.

Appreciating the collaboration with IMF for a successful Staff Level Agreement (SLA) for a 37-month, $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan, the prime minister highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing structural reforms and promoting private sector development.

He also appreciated the IMF’s technical assistance and capacity-building programs, which have helped strengthen the country’s institutions and improve its economic management.

The IMF managing director expressed the Fund’s support for Pakistan’s efforts and emphasised the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

During the meeting, they also discussed the urgent need to mobilise adaptation financing for climate change.

The prime minister agreed to have the finance minister take up this critical issue with senior management at the IMF during the Annual Meetings in October.

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation between the government and the IMF to promote economic stability and growth.

— With additional input from APP