LAHORE: Speakers at a conference organised by NGOs on Thursday at the Lahore Press Club demanded the government revise its policy of indirect taxes which affect the poor and increase inequality in the society.
NGOs are observing January 15-22 as global week of action against rising inequity under the theme of "Tax the rich, not the poor". The week is being observed under the banner of an association called "Fight Inequality Alliance Pakistan" formed by some 30 NGOs.
The press conference was addressed by Saima Zia of Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee, Jalwat Ali of Labour Education Foundation, Nasir Iqbal of International Human Rights Movement and Riffat Maqsood of Tameer-e-Nau.
Fight Inequality Alliance has planned to hold protest in 10 cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Larkana, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Rawalpindi, Shahdadkot, Multan, Dera Ismail Khan and Mardan.
NGOs’ representatives said the tax on salaries had increased while the citizens were bearing the burden of indirect taxes and were actually giving 50 percent of their salaries in taxes, said Saima Zia. She said subsidy on urea was given to companies whereas it should be given to farmers. Nasir Iqbal alleged that the government’s policies were actually playing a part in widening the gap between rich and the poor. Women and youth who get loans under different schemes of the govt are the ones who are tax filers but the have-nots left behind without any option or way-out, said Riffat Maqsood.
Jalwat Ali said skilled labour is getting Rs18-20 thousand for 12 hours work whereas by law they are supposed to work for 8 hours and in addition to that they are not being paid overtime.
Adiala jail officials did not produce the former chief minister before the court for medical reasons
His remarks came as purported “talks” between the PTI and the establishment have become the talk of the town in...
RPLC Pakistan initiative will be rolled out in the Jhang and Sahiwal districts of Punjab, along with Barkhan and...
Security forces conducted a joint operation on the reported presence of terrorists
On Sept 27, 2019, the election tribunal Quetta had declared election of the then NA deputy speaker Qasim Suri from...
SPEF will emerge as another flagship programme, under which financial assistance would be provided to widows,...