Despite devolution of Ministry of Zakat and Ushr from Federal to Provincial governments, Sindh could not collect Zakat directly from the companies and individuals in new Zakat year due to obstacles created by the Centre, official sources disclosed to Business Recorder. Federal Government has devolved Zakat and Ushr along with other four ministries in first phase of devolution following to the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
Before the devolution, Federal Government was authorised to collect Zakat directly from the companies and individuals of all provinces. Soon after the devolution, Sindh Zakat and Ushr department had drafted a bill which was passed by provincial assembly unanimously. Thereafter the bill became an act namely The Sindh Zakat and Ushr Act 2011, after the assent of Governor Dr Ishrat-ul Ebad.
Despite this, the hidden hands of Centre are creating hindrances in the way of Sindh government and they have stopped provincial government from collecting Zakat directly, sources told.
While, it is clearly mentioned in provincial Zakat Act that subject to the other provisions of this Act, Zakat in respect of assets mentioned in the first schedule of the Act shall be charged and collected by Government of Sindh, on compulsory basis, for each Zakat year, at the rates and in the manner specified therein and as may be prescribed, from person who is on the valuation date and for whole of the preceding Zakat year, Sahib-e-Nisab, and who owns or possesses such assets on the valuation dates, sources added. It is pertinent to mention here that Zakat and Ushr department had also established Zakat funds regarding the deposits and transfers of Zakat amount, sources further told.
The officials of Zakat and Ushr department have informed prior authorities of Sindh government in this regard a few days ago. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah would write a letter to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani for resolving the issue of collection of Zakat, sources informed.
Sources claimed that Sindh is major share provider in Zakat fund; however, provincial Zakat and Ushr department has made all its arrangements regarding the collection of Zakat directly from the companies and individuals of province.