Please pay taxes, Pakistani elite told

Not only should they lead by example, but they must encourage others to follow suit, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted him as saying Friday.

“If we have to take the nation towards self-reliance, then it is our national duty to pay taxes,” the minister said, while winding up a budget debate in parliament.

The minister said only 1.5 million Pakistanis -- out of its 187 million people -- paid income tax.

"The minister said that all those who are making big (money) should pay taxes.
“This house, high functionaries, top businessmen, media and whosoever make big incomes should think this (as) a national duty,” he said.

He also urged politicians to stop squabbling to get the country out of its economic crisis.