Punjab Government to set up a tax policy unit

Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting, here today, which gave approval to the implementation of proposed steps for reforms in Provincial Finance Department.

Addressing the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif said that timely distribution of resources and their proper utilization is essential and capacity building of Finance Department is need of the hour. He said that the phased-wise programme for reforms in Finance Department should be implemented speedily.

The Chief Minister said that an effective monitoring system should be evolved for quality service delivery to the people. He said that special attention should be paid to the release of funds and its regular monitoring. He said that steps should also be taken for linking release of funds with service delivery. Shahbaz Sharif said that a tax policy unit will be set up under reforms programme. He said that full attention should be paid to the capacity-building of Finance Department.

The Chief Minister said that he will personally monitor the progress of reforms programme. He said that like education and health departments, there will be stock taking of reforms programme in Finance Department after every three months.

Shahbaz Sharif directed that financial monitoring should be made effective and a system of autonomous and independent audit be evolved for ensuring transparency.

Provincial Minister for Finance Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Finance and concerned officials attended the meeting.