Pre-Budget Discussion: MQM to oppose RGST in next year’s budget

MQM policy with regard to implementation of RGST would remain the same for the next financial year.

ISLAMABAD:

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) policy with regard to implementation of RGST would remain the same for the next fiscal year’s budget, said Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr Farooq Sattar, here on Thursday.

“We continue to oppose such moves,” the MQM leader said after his discussion with Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh.

The party would hold another round of talks in connection with the next budget with the finance minister on Monday.

A six-member delegation of the MQM headed by Sattar met the finance minister in Islamabad on Thursday. The delegation discussed issues related to the IMF  and reforms in the FBR, sources said.

“We will not allow imposition of new taxes on the poor and the salaried class,” said Sattar while talking about his party’s budget plan, adding that they advocate substantial cuts in military and non-development civil budget.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2011.