Revenue collection: PHC CJ calls for legislation to widen tax net

PESHAWAR:

Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan on Friday urged for proper legislation to widen the tax net and ensure collection.

Justice Khan made the observation while hearing an application filed by Anees Iqbal, a pharmacist held for allegedly issuing bogus cheques to Sarfaraz, whom Iqbal had reportedly borrowed Rs100 million from at an interest rate of 34%.



Justice Khan said it was a matter of serious concern how such a huge amount was arranged by Sarfaraz and how much tax he had paid so far. The chief justice then directed chief commissioner revenue to dispatch a team of income tax officials to probe the matter.

The court also ordered a copy of the order sheet be sent to the principal secretary of the prime minister and the finance secretary, who shall present it to the prime minister to assess the performance of the revenue department.

“The public is being surcharged in electricity bills, [while] gas prices and tax have also been increased for the poor,” said the PHC chief justice.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2013.