Musharraf rules out withdrawal of GST
By Ihtasham ul Haque
RAWALPINDI, May 20: The chief executive, Gen Pervez Musharraf, on Saturday regretted that traders were observing a strike but said there was no question of withdrawing the general sales tax (GST).
"I know shops are closed today but I want to make it clear to them (traders) that I am not the type of person who would run away. They will have to accept the GST," he declared. Speaking at a gathering after inaugurating the Attock Refinery up gradation/expansion project, the CE said that Pakistan needed to be economically strengthened for which it was necessary to avoid observing strikes.
He said that those who were above a certain standard would have to pay tax and the government would not go soft on this issue. "They (traders) have no right to go on strike," he asserted, adding that his government would not accept any pressure to give up the GST. He, nevertheless, said that the government was in contact with the business leaders to get the strike called off.
He noted with satisfaction that the refinery project, which was first in Pakistan to produce premium motor gasoline direct from the refinery without addition of MTBE and HOBC, had been completed on time. The project, he hoped, will enhance Pakistan's crude oil processing capacity.
He appreciated that Attock Refinery will soon be processing 70,000 barrel crude oil daily. He called upon the refinery laborers to work hard with a view to expanding their organization. On behalf of the company, the CE announced a Rs300 increase in the employees' salaries.
Earlier, Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Usman Aminuddin told the gathering that the up gradation and expansion project will help Pakistan save $25m annually. Attock Refinery, he said, was currently processing 25,000 barrel crude oil a day and hoped that it would reach 70,000 barrels soon.
Good on ya CE - this is what the country needs a leader who does not bow down to pressure.
After the strike the GSt should be inforced in full force.
By Ihtasham ul Haque
RAWALPINDI, May 20: The chief executive, Gen Pervez Musharraf, on Saturday regretted that traders were observing a strike but said there was no question of withdrawing the general sales tax (GST).
"I know shops are closed today but I want to make it clear to them (traders) that I am not the type of person who would run away. They will have to accept the GST," he declared. Speaking at a gathering after inaugurating the Attock Refinery up gradation/expansion project, the CE said that Pakistan needed to be economically strengthened for which it was necessary to avoid observing strikes.
He said that those who were above a certain standard would have to pay tax and the government would not go soft on this issue. "They (traders) have no right to go on strike," he asserted, adding that his government would not accept any pressure to give up the GST. He, nevertheless, said that the government was in contact with the business leaders to get the strike called off.
He noted with satisfaction that the refinery project, which was first in Pakistan to produce premium motor gasoline direct from the refinery without addition of MTBE and HOBC, had been completed on time. The project, he hoped, will enhance Pakistan's crude oil processing capacity.
He appreciated that Attock Refinery will soon be processing 70,000 barrel crude oil daily. He called upon the refinery laborers to work hard with a view to expanding their organization. On behalf of the company, the CE announced a Rs300 increase in the employees' salaries.
Earlier, Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Usman Aminuddin told the gathering that the up gradation and expansion project will help Pakistan save $25m annually. Attock Refinery, he said, was currently processing 25,000 barrel crude oil a day and hoped that it would reach 70,000 barrels soon.
Good on ya CE - this is what the country needs a leader who does not bow down to pressure.
After the strike the GSt should be inforced in full force.
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