Pakistan, June 10 -- Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered for immediate registration of all unregistered restaurants and marriage halls across the province.

Chairing a special meeting on Monday, she approved the decision to bring all small and large restaurants as well as marriage halls under the tax net. Rejecting all proposals aimed at increasing existing tax rates, she emphasized expanding the tax base instead of placing additional burden on the public.

"Increasing taxes to place unnecessary burden on the public will not be permitted or tolerated at any cost," she asserted. "Business owners who comply and register should not be punished, while tax evaders must not be allowed to go scot-free under any circumstance." ...