KARACHI, Pakistan News: 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.
