GARDEZ - Improving economic governance through the promotion of greater public knowledge of tax-related law and procedures was the focus of a two-day workshop in Gardez, in Afghanistan’s south-east Paktya province.

Around 70 participants attended the UNAMA-supported event. They included the Deputy Provincial Governor, representatives of government departments, local businesses and civil society, along with community elders, members of the Provincial Council, religious leaders and the media.

The aim of the workshop was to increase understanding of customs and taxation laws, enhance knowledge of related  financial rules and procedures and identify impediments to the payment of taxes. Among its mandate-related activities, UNAMA works to support good governance and to promote the rule of law in Afghanistan. 

Abdul Wali Sehi, the Deputy Provincial Governor, said that the workshop was a useful initiative that helped increase awareness among businessmen, traders and the private sector regarding business laws. He also said the workshop is among other ongoing activities designed to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the government and business communities.

Fazluddin Jalalzai, the Chairman of the Paktya Industrialists Union and Head of the Shahab Jalalzai production company, identified the workshop as the first of its type in the province. Mr. Jalalzai said many business owners in the province are not aware of some of the laws that regulating business: “I myself learned many things including the why, when and how of paying tax.”

A religious scholar, Mufti Atiqullah, discussed the importance of paying tax from an Islamic perspective, highlighting the difference between zakat, or traditional alms-giving, and tax: “Zakat is a sacred charity and an obligatory pillar of Islam, while tax is a compulsory contribution to be made by everyone regardless of their level of wealth, and is levied by the government on citizens.”

Mufti Atiqullah said that paying tax regularly is essential for to support community life.

UNAMA has scheduled other similar workshops to be held in neighbouring Khost province.