The PML-N and Jamaat-i-Islami were unanimous on the only option available to the government in case it fails to pass the General Sales Tax Bill 2010 in the National Assembly: to seek a fresh vote of confidence and failing that to dissolve the assemblies.
For the first time since elections 2008 the PML-N has called for the dissolution of assemblies if the government fails to pass the money bill in the Lower House. PML-N Vice President Syed Zafar Ali Shah on Saturday said that if the government fails to pass money bill (GST Bill, 2010) from the National Assembly then it has no moral and legal ground to rule the country. He said that it is tradition of many countries that if any government fails in passage of money bill from the Parliament then it has to quit.
"If the PPP-government does not succeed in getting approved GST Bill, 2010 from the National Assembly, it should immediately resign on legal and moral grounds and announce mid-term elections. Senior Parliamentarian Senator Professor Khurshid Ahmed of JI said that if the PPP-government fails in getting through the money bill from the National Assembly it would tantamount to vote of no-confidence.
The Prime Minster has to take vote of confidence from the parliament. It is tradition of all Parliaments in the world that on the rejection of money bill or any clause of the bill, which relates to money, the government has to pack up," he said.
Answering to a question, he said that if the National Assembly fails in electing leader of the House fresh election are eminent. Dr Abdul Kadir Khanzada of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) said while talking to Business Recorder that his party already rejected GST Bill and it could not accept it at any cost.
He said that the MQM has given many proposals on tax collection. He added that if the government takes these steps, it could collect Rs 1,200 billion. He said, we can generate revenue by improving the performance of those institutions which are running in loss including Pakistan Steel Mills, Railway, PIA and others.
He added that there is leakage of Rs 300 billion in FBR. He said that the government should also impose tax on agriculture income to generate revenue. He said that in this regard, the MQM has introduced a bill about the tax on agriculture income. Responding to question, what will be the moral ground if the government fails to pass GST Bill, he said that if the government fails, then alternative way has been clearly described in the Constitution.