Pakistan

RGST faces stiff opposition in Senate

Senators from PML-N, ANP, JUI-F and MQM say they do not support the RGST.

Express November 25, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Senators from several political parties on Thursday opposed the Reformed General Sales Tax, saying that the government needs to shift its focus onto elimination of tax evasion and corruption instead.

Senator Ishaq Dar said tax evasion of Rs350-400 billion takes place every year adding that state enterprises incur annual losses of Rs300 billion.

He said the RGST will only fetch Rs200 billion to the government.

Senators from Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Awami National Party (ANP), Jamiat Ulema Islam Fazal (JUI-F) and Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) said they do not support the RGST.

Meanwhile, Chairman Senate Farooq H Naik said the House could make recommendations on the finance bill but its approval is not needed for passage of a bill.

Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh will conclude the debate on the issue on Friday.

COMMENTS (5)

Saeed Ansari | 13 years ago | Reply I know a businessman, a media employee, a judge, a politician, an industrialist, a landlord, a retailer, a wholesaler --- none of them contribute a single penny to the exchequer. Income Tax Officers don't force anyone to bribe them. We bribe them is why they don't collect our due taxes from us. If they are corrupt, we are as corrupt.

Muhammad Saeed Akhter | 13 years ago | Reply I know a person working as Income Tax Inspector he is living lavishly affording city accord and 2D saloon. So it is the whole story of the income tax collection of your country.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

The Only Normal Person Here. | 13 years ago | Reply I hope they stick to their decision this time and back door politics wont change their decision.

J.Butt | 13 years ago | Reply if PML-N, MQM and ANP etc abstain from voting against this bill, it will mean they support it secretly.

Syed A. Mateen | 13 years ago | Reply The rate of RGST should not be more than 10% in any case. Each year it should be enhanced by 1% and when it reaches at 15%, and after 5 years, it should stop increasing any further. I have been talking at various platforms to introduce receipt culture in the country and no body has paid any heed to my suggestion.

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