Levy of income tax on agriculture condemned

An outcry and strong condemnation was witnessed on Thursday during the 10th session of Punjab Assembly from treasury and opposition benches unanimously over the plan of the government in regard to levy income tax on agriculture that was termed as anti-farmer move, which would obliterate the already stressed agriculture sector.
During the session, which was held under the Chair of the Speaker, Rana Muhammad Iqbal, who also on the occasion, criticising the government move, said that the move was a dire blow on the economy of the county.
Terming agriculture as backbone of the country, the Speaker said that an entire day would be fixed for the discussion on this issue. The legislators said that due to price hike of fertiliser, chemicals, medicines and electricity and other relevant items, agriculture in the country was already under dire waters. MPA Warris Kalo dilating on the subject termed the move of levying income tax on agriculture as a conspiracy hatched by International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He further said if farmer position in the country was weakened due to this, the entire country would face the brunt of it. He demanded the government to take nation as well as the parliamentarians in confidence on its deliberations with IMF. Nazim Shah a senior parliamentarian and member of PPP commenting on agriculture tax said that they resent the move and would not even hesitate to go to jail agitating against it.
The Law Minister, Rana Sanaullah, speaking about Home Department said that provincial government was making sure that vacancies in police department were filled in according with merit.
He further said that vacancies of Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASIs) were now being done by the Public Service Commission. Sajida Mir, MPA of PPP speaking on the occasion said that the division of police department into two sections had not produced desired results.
Rana Sanaullah, dilating on the police order, said that Police Order had failed to get desired results and now work was being undertaken to improve it. He said soon they get the required strength, the amendment in that would be done. The Law Minister further speaking in the House said that the Police earlier did not have the required system to track mobiles. He said this system had been required recently and would be instrumental in tracing down criminals now.
In the session, the Law Minister said that he did not have knowledge of appointments on officer cadre under contract. During the session, a number of Call Attention notices were deliberated upon. The House on indication of lack of quorum was adjourned later for Friday 10:00 am by the Chair.