Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has hailed the newly launched Asaan Tax scheme for traders as a significant step towards broadening the country’s tax base. The scheme introduces a 1% tax rate for traders as an initial measure, aiming to encourage compliance and expand revenue collection. A key component of the reform is a move towards automated tax collection, minimizing discretionary powers of tax officials and utilizing a Central Processing Unit for monitoring. The government emphasizes enforcement and compliance over new taxation, leveraging digital monitoring systems already implemented in sectors like sugar, and expanding to beverages and textiles. Aurangzeb also highlighted opportunities for Pakistani freelancers, particularly in upskilling to blockchain technology to significantly increase earning potential. The government reports a positive public response to the recent budget and prioritizes accelerating economic growth through these measures.