ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance has demanded for
imposition of taxes on armed forces during economic and other crisis.
Well placed sources told that during in camera meetings of the committee
several members demanded that exemption in taxes be granted to army through
parliament rather than through any administrative order.
Minutes of current meetings of the committee available with Online have
disclosed that the committee has incorporated in final documents the demand for
slapping taxes on army as per proposal made by Bushra Gauhar of ANP.
Bushra Gauhar was of the view that either tax be slapped on armed forces
during economic crisis or other emergency situation or their budget be slashed.
She expressed grave concern that cut was made in every department but as to why
armed forces were exempted.
Treasury member Shahnaz Wazir Ali opposed to disburse additional amount of Rs
360 billion to provinces under NFC award and demanded that federal government
should keep check and balance on provinces to ensure transparent utilization of
this amount.
Committee asked the government not to impose fix tax on per acre income of
the persons associated with agriculture sector besides reviewing the withdrawal
of subsidy provided to consumers on petroleum products.
Finance secretary Waqar Masood said that government was considering to allow
subsidy in respect of Benazir Income Support Program and people attached with
Lady Health program instead of every person . Online
