Socio-political circles have urged the government that the General Sales Tax (GST) and Withholding Tax (WHT) being charged from the consumers on utility bills should be utilised on the rehabilitation of earthquake-hit areas of the country.
"The proposal of extra charging on utility bills from the consumers will be a brutal act because the common man is already under economic constraint due to prevailing price-hike in the country."
In a press statement issued here on Sunday, these circles said that Wapda, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Sui Northern are collecting GST and WHT from their consumers since long in the country and the government should take immediate step for consuming this huge amount on the rehabilitation of earthquake-stricken areas of the country.
They also urged upon the government that the amount received so far from the consumers under GST and WHT heads should be declared and at this juncture the utilisation of this amount on earth-hit areas has become more imperative. "Under the prevailing situation the government should take appropriate steps for curtailing its own expanses besides misuse of the government vehicles should be stopped in the larger national interest."
The prices of petrol had already been increased as a result of which the common man was adversely affected, they said. The socio-political circles had called upon the federal and provincial governments that adequate steps should be taken for introducing CNG system in two wheelers (motorbikes) to facilitate the common man of the country.