President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik Sunday hailing the restoration of the self assessment scheme urged the government to bring fifteen million identified tax evaders into the tax net to lessen burden on existing taxpayers. Talking to a 20-member traders delegation from South Punjab led by Member National Assembly Chaudhry Tahir Iqbal, he said that draconian action must be taken against tax evaders and defaulters after a high level impartial scrutiny preferably conducted by a third party. He lamented that the 9.5 % tax to GDP ratio in Pakistan is even less than other countries of South Asia whereas its 46.2 % in France, 46.0 % in Denmark and 44.6% I. Belgium. Ch Zahid Iqbal Arain former VP Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry was also present on the occasion. Malik stressed the urgent need of broadening the tax base exclusively with new tax payers which he added is oxygen to strengthening the national economy. He said world over judicious taxation plays a key role in economic growth of the nations and especially it matters a lot in developing countries. Iftikhar Ali Malik said that the government must promote tax culture and improve tax collection besides raising tax revenue in addition to clipping the powers of tax collectors for leashing unnecessary harassment. He said that Finance Minister Shoukat Tarin has assured him that Prime Minister Imran Khan attached great importance to the business community and all their genuine problems are being addressed on top priority to accelerate the economic activities in the country. He said that necessary instructions have already been issued to all relevant ministries and FBR to extend a helping hand to exporters, corporate sector and traders for ease of doing business besides boosting exports. He hoped that the government will continue to take stakeholders into confidence including chambers prior to formulation of trade policies.