RGST faces stiff opposition in Senate

Senato­rs from PML-N, ANP, JUI-F and MQM say they do not suppor­t the RGST.

ISLAMABAD: Senators from several political parties on Thursday opposed the Reformed General Sales Tax, saying that the government needs to shift its focus onto elimination of tax evasion and corruption instead.

Senator Ishaq Dar said tax evasion of Rs350-400 billion takes place every year adding that state enterprises incur annual losses of Rs300 billion.

He said the RGST will only fetch Rs200 billion to the government.

Senators from Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Awami National Party (ANP), Jamiat Ulema Islam Fazal (JUI-F) and Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) said they do not support the RGST.

Meanwhile, Chairman Senate Farooq H Naik said the House could make recommendations on the finance bill but its approval is not needed for passage of a bill.

Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh will conclude the debate on the issue on Friday.