Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has hailed the newly launched Tax Asaan Scheme for traders as a significant step towards broadening the country’s tax base. The scheme introduces a flat 1% tax rate for traders as an initial measure, with plans for further expansion and modernization of the tax collection process. A key component of the reform is a reduction in discretionary powers for income tax officers, replaced by a centralized processing unit and data-driven monitoring. The government intends to focus on enforcement and compliance rather than introducing new taxes, utilizing a digital monitoring system already implemented in the sugar sector and expanding to beverages and textiles. Aurangzeb also highlighted opportunities for Pakistani freelancers, particularly in blockchain technology, to significantly increase their earning potential through upskilling. The government reports a positive public response to the recent budget and aims to accelerate economic growth through these measures.