Levy of RGST: LHC asks government to submit reply within fortnight

The Lahore High Court called reply from the federal government within fortnight in a petition challenging the proposed levy of reformed general sales tax (RGST). The petition was moved on behalf of Save Judiciary Committee. Petitioner's counsel Chaudhry Mateenul Haq submitted that the levy of RGST would further add to the miseries of already poverty-stricken people of Pakistan.
He said that citizens are already paying 5 per cent sales tax on all utility bills and RGST would multiply their sufferings. He said the government should improve its mechanism for recovery of income tax from big fish. He said the rich class would not burdened by the RGST and it would be shifted to the general public. He therefore prayed to the court to declare RGST as unconstitutional.