Govt collects tax in Paktia districts after Pajhwok report

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): The Revenue Department of southeastern Paktia province has started collection of tax from shops and markets in Zurmat and Samkani districts following a Pajhwok report in this regard.

On November 10, a report published by Pajhwok Afghan News says that 183 million afghanis revenue was embezzled annually instead of going to the government treasures in Paktia.

After the report, President Ashraf Ghani ordered serious investigation into embezzlement of the money from the annual revenue of Paktia province.

After Pajhwok report and president’s order, local officials paid special attention to collection of unpaid tax.

Paktia officials say the tax collection process is launched in the province after 10 years in Zurmat and Samkani districts.

Dawlat Khan Zadran, Zurmat district administrative chief, said that the collection of tax was officially started in Taamir Bazaar area of the district.

“All shopkeepers received tax forms in order to pay their taxes, this process has practically started,” he said.

Abdul Rahman Sulamal, chief of Samkani district, also said that the tax collection process was ongoing in the district since last one week.

“We have talked with people and explained to them the value of tax, we assured them of transparency, we are serious and committed to transparency in this process,” he said.

On the other hand, Paktia residents stress transparency in tax collection.

Afzal Khan, a resident of Gardez, the capital of Paktia, said that people were still not fully assured of transparency in tax collection and the government had to provide clear explanation.

“People will give their taxes, but the government should assure that the money they give would not be spent unnecessarily, people are ready to give even double amount for development of their country,” he said.

Hanifullah, a member of Urban Shopkeepers Association, said that the efforts of revenue and finance organs accelerated after Pajhwok report.

“Revenue officers check all areas, they register shops and collect tax from them, municipality also sped up its activities, we are not sad about it, but the money should not go to personal pockets,” he said.

Despite the government’s repeated pledge of curbing corruption, administrative graft is still at highest level.

Mds/ma