Lahore: As part of Tax Day celebrations, PRA organised a panel discussion on the topic ‘A Taxpaying woman is more vocal and guardian of her rights’ at KC University.
Panelist included Dr Mira Phailbus, Nishat Mummunka Chairperson (TAAP), FaiqaMansab (writer) Nighat Dad (Digital rights activist), Mehreen Syed and Feryal Ali Gohar (Lead Consultant, Cultural Heritage Management Plans)
The focus of the discussion was to shed light on the importance of taxation in creating a balanced society and the role of the woman in developing the tax culture in the society. The discussion was part of annual tax day celebrations.
PRA happens to celebrate TAX DAY on 10th April since 2016 and has made it an official part of its annual schedule as it considers this day as the most important part of its manifesto.
PRA Chairperson Dr Raheal Ahmed Siddiqui in his opening remarks praised the way women have been working in the society and have brought about a major change. Though we have been living in a male dominant society but today’s women are playing equal role part in every walk of life.
He praised that women are more vocal in nature and they expect to get returns of their taxes and while being part of the tax net have not only contributed in increasing the tax revenue but have also put extensive responsibility on PRA to deliver on women-related issues.
The panel discussion was moderated by Ms Feryal Ali Gohar, she shared her experiences and achievements with the audience and opened up the discussion with the panelist. Professor Mira Phailbus appreciated the role of woman entrepreneurs and stressed upon the importance of taxes as catalyst to growth. MS Nishat Mammunka encouraged the audience to pay taxes and at the same time asked them to be vigilant of the government spending of their taxes.
The leading model & philanthropist Mehreen Syed shared her life experience & urged the students to play actively in professional life and be a tax filer. Similarly, Faiqa Mansab & Nighat Dad also shed light upon the importance of taxes and demanded that the government should allocate the resources generated by taxation for the development of quality human resource i-e health, education, food, etc.
Chief Guest Ms. Zakia Shahnawaz khan, Minister for Environment Protection in her comments commended the taxpaying women and said that they not only have been securing their houses perfectly but have playing crucial roles in all walks of life for the progress and prosperity of the country. She also applauded woman by saying that they are the most important pillar in any country development and the most amazing thing about them is, they feel and take responsibility upon themselves to build a prosperous society by paying their taxes.
The minister also paid tribute to chair person PRA for conducting such a seminar that would help a long way in generating healthy debate in our society.
Published in Daily Times, April 5th 2018.
