Flood tax under consideration, says chief minister

Qaim Ali Shah assured that the flood tax will not affect the poor people of the province.

GARHI KHUDA BUX: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that the flood tax is under consideration but it will not affect the poor people of the province.

Talking to the media after offering Eid prayers, he said that some coalition partners have reservations which would be addressed. Shah said the Punjab government was also considering a flood tax.

The flood had affected 70 million people and damaged houses and crops. “We are determined to provide relief and rehabilitation to the flood victims in Sindh,” he said.

The farmers were being given seed and fertiliser, he added.

Watan card holders have already received Rs20,000 and will get an additional Rs80,000, the chief minister assured.

Flood water was still standing in some areas but heavy machinery was being used to drain it.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2010.