SHC restricts Sindh govt from collecting certain taxes

A two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Justice Shamsuddin Abbasi hear the bail plea

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) heard the plea against the Sindh Labour Service Tax Act 2011 on Tuesday and issued notices to the Sindh government, Board of Revenue (BoR) and others restricting them from collecting certain taxes.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Shafi Muhammad Siddiqui and Justice Mahmood A Khan heard the plea in which the petitioner's counsel, Advocate Farhan Minhas, said that the Sindh government has imposed a tax on Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), Sindh Employees' Social Security Institution (SESSI) and service in the salaries of labourers.

Previously, the tax was only collected on services and thus, Sindh government should be restricted from collecting additional taxes, argued Minhas.

The court restricted the government from collecting the labour service tax and sought a reply on the matter from BoR and other relevant government departments.

Bail extended

The SHC extended the bail of the provincial environment minister, who is under investigation by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

A two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Justice Shamsuddin Abbasi heard the bail plea. Environment Minister Taimur Talpur appeared before the court. NAB's investigation officer (IO) told the court that the inquiry against Talpur was in its final stages and the bureau required more time to complete it.

The court asked the IO how much time was required. The IO asked for two more months which was granted.

The court also extended the bail of the accused till September 17. The plea argued that NAB sent a call-up notice to Talpur in January 2019 and sought details regarding the assets he owned.

The plea stated that the minister did not know what the allegations against him were and asked that NAB be restricted from arresting him.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2019.