MQM meets businessmen: Traders demand agriculture tax
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the representatives of trade and industry have jointly demanded the implementation of tax on the agriculture sector. The two groups made the demand at a press conference, titled “Budget-2011-12: MQM Meets Businessmen”, on Saturday.
MQM coordination committee deputy convener Dr Farooq Sattar said that the ongoing trade and economic turmoil along with the escalating rate of unemployment, poverty and deteriorating law and order situation calls for a rational economic policy and corrective measures or else it would be too late to save Pakistan’s integrity. “It is time to let the private sector take the country towards prosperity while the government should just draw policies, provide infrastructure and improve the security system.”
He pointed out that the MQM had opposed the government imposing the reformed general sales tax, and that the party would consult traders and businessmen for next year’s budget. The MQM endorsed the decision of the business community to go on a countrywide strike if the government imposes wealth tax.
Siraj Kasim Teli said that the government should immediately address the energy crisis and bring the interest rate down from 14 per cent. SM Muneer said that the government should cut down on non-development expenses and the size of the cabinet.
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Saeed Shafique called for the reformation of the tax collection system, and demanded that those who don’t pay taxes be held accountable. He also criticised the Afghan Trade Policy, suggesting that it is sinking Pakistan’s industrial sector. “Across the world, dry ports are established to assist exports but in Pakistan they serve as an accessory to imports, and have become dens of unparalleled corruption.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2011.
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