Bill on tax law tabled in NA

PTI demands Imran's release in NA

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly echoed the demands of PTI members on Wednesday as they rallied for the release of former premier Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan expressed concerns over Bushra Bibi's well-being, alleging that she was being subjected to slow poisoning, citing “newly emerged evidence”.

The session, presided over by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, witnessed a heated exchange as opposition members, led by Ayub, protested in front of the speaker's dais, demanding the release of the former premier and his wife.

In response to the protests, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar acknowledged the right to protest but stressed the need for such battles to be fought within the appropriate forums, adding that only matters of public interest ought to be discussed on the floor of the House.

"The courts are the rightful authorities to decide on matters under their purview," Tarar stated, recalling that “we and many others have experienced similar phases”.

Amid the uproar from the opposition benches, the government remained silent, with the deputy speaker threatening to adjourn the session if order was not maintained.

Subsequently, as the session teetered on the brink of adjournment, the opposition concluded their protest and returned to their seats, temporarily quelling the tumult.

Meanwhile, the law minister introduced a bill further to amend certain tax laws. (The Tax Law Amendment Bill 2024), in the National Assembly.

The minister highlighted that there are pending tax cases amounting to Rs2,700 billion across various appellate forums, including commissioners' appeals, appellate tribunals, high courts, and the Supreme Court.

He said that the government was open to suggestions from the opposition and other stakeholders regarding the bill. He said that expanding of tax base was necessary for the strengthening of the country's economy.

The minister said that the Tax Bar Association had been consulted regarding the proposed bill.

Omer Ayub suggested that the purpose bill should be discussed in the finance committee