- Ali Haider Gilani says it seems the PML-N government does not need the PPP votes
LAHORE: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Thursday opposed Punjab Agricultural Income Tax 2024 which was presented by the government during Punjab Assembly session on Thursday.
PPP parliamentary leader in provincial assembly Ali Haider said that the government has not taken PPP onboard about the key bill therefore PPP has decided to oppose the passage of the bill and PPP also decided to walkout of the session to register protests against the government’s unilateral move.
Ali Haider Gilani said that the PML-N government did not consult the PPP on the Agricultural Income Tax Bill, saying it seemed that the government does not need the PPP votes. He further said the government will definitely pass the bill based on its majority, but the PPP will not be a part of this bill.
He said the level of seriousness on the part of the government is that there is only one minister in the house, other ministers did not bother to come in the assembly.
Talking to media outside Punjab Assembly, PPP MPA said that Pakistan People’s Party is a pro-farmers party and it will not allow government to put more burden on the farmers. Ali Haider lamented that parliamentary party has decided to oppose the bill as the government was not bothered to share proposed document with PPP.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf alos opposed the bill, terming it anti-farmers. The party lawmakers also staged walk out of the assembly session.
According to the bill, farmers with annual income between Rs6 lakh and Rs12 lakh are proposed to be taxed at 15%. Farmers with an annual income between Rs12 lakh and Rs16 lakh will be taxed at 20 per cent, while those with an annual income between Rs1.6 million and Rs3.2 million will be taxed at 30 percent. The bill also proposed tax on the business of Livestock.
