
In clear violation of the Supreme Court orders, the government on December 31, 2014, announced an increase in the sales tax rate on petroleum products from 17% to 22%, putting a 30% tax burden on consumers.

RELATED POST: Benefits withheld: Sales tax on petroleum products jacked up by 5%

Taking to his Twitter account, the chief said a five per cent increase in the sales tax clearly reflects the premier’s anti-poor policies.
Sharifs always burden the poor with indirect taxes to subsidise the rich. 5% GST raise on petroleum products reflects this anti-poor policy.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 1, 2015
“During all his three tenures as Prime Minister, Nawaz’s policies have widened the gulf between the haves and the have-nots,” he added.
During all his 3 tenures as PM, NS's policies have widened the gulf between the haves and the have-nots.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 1, 2015
The government’s decision also sparked an uproar in Parliament last month as the Opposition staged a unified walkout and called the move unconstitutional.
“This decision is unconstitutional and in total violation of Supreme Court judgments,” said Senator Raza Rabbani (PPP, Sindh).

RELATED POST: GST hike: Uproar in Senate over petroleum tax increase


The senator also referred to Article 77 of the Constitution in the Senate, which states that taxes can only be imposed through legislation.
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