MQM Urges Agriculture Tax in RGST Talks

KARACHI, News Trends: The second round of talks, held between government officials and a delegation from MQM to review RGST, has concluded here late Wednesday.

Talks, ended after 1:00 am, lasted for no less than 8 hours .

Government, during the talks, assured MQM of reviewing RGST, however, MQM insisted on imposition of taxes on agriculture sector instead of poor people.

Federal Interior Minister Abdul Rehman Malik and Federal Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh met with MQM delegation comprising Dr. Farooq Sattar, Syed Mustafa Kamal, Babar Khan Ghauri, Haider Abbas Rizvi and Dr. Sagheer Ahmed here at Governor House.

Talking to media at the end of talks, Malik, dispelling news regarding deadlock, said dialogues were ‘successful’, adding that MQM apprised government of reservations over RGST. Talks held amid friendly atmosphere, he maintained.

He said both sides agreed upon not overburdening poor masses by means of huge taxes.

“Government reckons MQM’s suggestions of bringing agriculture sector under tax network rational,” the minister said, “government is in favour of agriculture tax but provincial governments should have to take measures in this regard.”

Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh said RGST is not a new tax while daily commodities would not be brought under tax through RGST, he added.

He hoped continuation of talks to review RGST.

Subsequently, MQM’s Farooq Sattar, Federal Minister for Oversees Pakistanis, told media that MQM had informed government of reservations over RGST, which comprised of 9 points.

Imposition of agriculture tax is leading the rest among 9 points, which MQM presented to government officials during talks, the minister maintained.

He said, “MQM wants government to bring well-offs under taxing network instead of overloading poor people.”

Babar Khan Ghauri, on the occasion, said MQM hopes government will show seriousness in reviewing RGST in light of our party’s suggestions.

Dengue tests arrangements in Sindh

Staff Report

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Health Dr Sagheer Ahmed has said that all arrangements have been made for dengue patients’ tests.

Dr Sagheer said that total 247 dengue positive patients are admitted in different hospitals of the province.

While talking to media persons on Sunday, he said the health department has conducted dengue tests of 3,371 people in the province and found 1,816 positive with the virus. Trend Pk

Dacoit killed by house owners in Faisalabad

Staff Report

FAISALABAD: A dacoit has been killed by the house owners during the robbery, SAMAA reported Saturday.

Four dacoits entered in the house of Haji Sagheer Ahmed situated in Nishasta Chowk but Sagheer was not present at home. His son telephoned his father about the situation who along with his relatives reached at house.

One dacoit was killed during the exchange of firing while three managed to escape.

Police did not reach on the spot when the incident took place. SAMAA

MQM Boycotts SA Session: Karachi

Karachi, Pakistan News: MQM boycotts SA session, The Sindh Assembly session has been adjourned till tomorrow due to MQM’s boycott.
MQM boycotted the session to protest against the harsh statements passed by Provincial Minister for Local Bodies and Law Minister besides Speaker’s refusal to allow MQM’s Dr Sagheer Ahmed talk on the floor. MQM sought apology from PPP members for the statements passed by them on floor the other day.

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MQM Boycotts SA Session: Karachi was first posted on February 3, 2010 at 4:02 pm.