Despite insecurity, Helmand revenue surges

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): The annual revenue of southern Helmand has increased this solar year as compared to the previous years, an official said on Wednesday.

Revenue Department head Abdul Rashid Stanikzai told Pajhwok Afghan News the Ministry of Finance had set them the target of 570 million afghanis in revenue collections until the end of the financial year.

However, so far the department had collected 329 million afghanis, showing a 3.4 million afghanis increase against the corresponding period last year. The bulk of revenue came from private companies, businesses, transportation and brick kilns, he said.  

Meanwhile, provincial council secretary Attaullah Afghan said it was a good omen that the provincial revenue had surged despite the worsened security situation.

Gul Ajan, a businessman, said some hurdles existed in the way of revenue collection needed to be removed.

He alleged some companies through mutual understanding with revenue department officials paid a small amount of tax to the government. 

Foreign aid makes up a big portion of Afghanistan budget and the new government seems keen on enhancing national revenue.

nh/ma

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