ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan has sought business community’scooperation in translating his vision of an Islamic welfare state intoreality.

Addressing the eleventh all Pakistan Chambers Presidents’ Conferenceorganized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Islamabad today(Thursday), he said bringing improvements in the lifestyle of common man isgovernment’s priority. He said he wants to lift the poor people out ofpoverty and that is only possible when state is in a better financialposition.

The Prime Minister said government will facilitate the business communityby resolving all its problems.

Imran Khan said steps are being taken to improve the conditions ofinstitutions. The Prime Minister said reforms in FBR will help governmentcollect more taxes to run the government affairs.

He said FBR will be turned into a professional and business friendlyinstitution. He said if situation of tax collecting body does not improve,a new tax collection body can be set up.

Imran Khan said the culture of tax evasion will also need to be changed. Ifa nation does not pay taxes, it cannot enjoy freedoms. The Prime Ministersaid paying tax is a national obligation and a tax culture will bedeveloped in the country to attain autarky and national honor.

Imran Khan said government is facilitating the foreign and domesticinvestors alike by improving ease of doing business and a liberal visaregime to woo them to invest in many lucrative industries in the country.He expressed optimism that investment will increase in the country in thecoming months.

He said in order to narrow the current account deficit, steps are beingtaken to overcome money laundering.

The Prime Minister said a bill passed today will help the businesscommunity in tax refunds. Imran Khan said the fast moving wheel of businesswill create job opportunities for youth.