Taxpayer Views and Revenue Collection: A Mixed Bag for Pakistan

A recent survey conducted by Dawn has revealed that 47% of people in Pakistan do not see their taxes being spent for public good. This is a concerning trend, as it suggests that the government's efforts to collect taxes may not be translating into tangible benefits for the citizens. The survey also found that revenue collection during the July-November period is Rs348 billion less than the five-month estimate, which is a significant shortfall. However, tax collection during this period is Rs143 billion, which is 71% of the estimate. This mixed bag of results highlights the challenges faced by the government in collecting taxes and ensuring that they are spent effectively. The government will need to take steps to address these issues and improve the public's perception of tax collection and expenditure. The results of the survey are a wake-up call for the government to re-evaluate its tax collection and expenditure strategies and ensure that they are aligned with the needs and expectations of the citizens.