Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Madina on Thursday on an official trip to Saudi Arabia where he will represent Pakistan at the two-day summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Radio Pakistan reported.
The summit titled "Makkah Summit: Together for the Future" is scheduled to begin on Friday in Makkah, and will be chaired by Saudi King Salman. The purpose of the summit is to develop a unified stance on events underway in the Muslim world.
The premier will visit the Holy Prophet's (PBUH) grave and offer prayers before leaving for Jeddah, according to the state radio broadcaster.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had arrived in Saudi Arabia yesterday to attend the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC. The meeting is said to set the tone for the summitDuring the foreign ministers' meeting, Qureshi directed the participants' attention towards the human rights violations that are being carried out in Indian-occupied Kashmir and Palestine. He urged member states to support the constitution of a commission under the United Nations to investigate the atrocities being committed in held Kashmir.
He also called for measures to ensure the safety of Palestinians who he said were being persecuted by Israeli forces.
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday reiterated his appeal to non-filers of tax returns to avail the government’s asset declaration scheme.
“This will not only help you [non-filers] bring your undeclared assets into the mainstream but also help the government collect taxes for the welfare of the people,” the premier said in a televised message.
“Only 1% tax filers exist in a population of 220 million,” he added. “The country will only progress when people pay their due taxes.”
The prime minister noted that the government was not in a position to build hospitals, schools and other facilities for people because taxes were not paid.
He reminded non-filers that the scheme would continue till the 30th of next month.
“There won’t be another amnesty opportunity after that,” he added.
“Tax collection agencies have already gained access to details about undeclared assets and more information is being received.”
The prime minister assured non-filers that the taxes they would pay on undeclared assets would not be stolen.
“I will look after it [money paid in taxes] myself and ensure that it is spent on the welfare of the people.”
The premier further said non-filers would be able to “sleep in peace” after declaring their undisclosed income. “This step will also help the government in making through the ongoing difficult economic phase.”
