Power Looms: Operators demand sales tax withdrawal

Power looms and sizing units were already suffering from loadshedding and the sales tax had aggravated the situation.

FAISALABAD:

Loom owners have planned to stage a strong protest against the government if sales tax is not withdrawn from the power loom and sizing industry.

Talking to the media here on Saturday, Council of Loom Owners Association Chairman Waheed Khaliq Ramay said the government had assured in a meeting last year that no sales tax would be imposed on power looms and sizing industries. In this connection, an agreement had also been reached in April, but the government backtracked on its promise.

He said power looms and sizing units were already suffering and the sales tax had aggravated the situation, which would force the units to close down, rendering millions of workers jobless.

He asked the government to withdraw the sales tax and if the demand was not met they would be compelled to take aggressive steps to save their businesses.

The government on Thursday reduced general sales tax (GST) on tractors to 5%, from 16%, aimed at bringing down tractor prices up to Rs 90,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2012.