ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar on Wednesday sought explanation over the imposition of taxes on petroleum products from concerned authorities.
During the hearing, Nisar observed that taxes are imposed by the authorities when they should be providing relief to the public, especially when the prices are decreasing in the international market.
Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan during the hearing questioned Additional Attorney General (AAG) regarding the types of taxes applicable to petroleum prices and the rate of petroleum in the international market. In response, AAG informed the court that Pakistan had the lowest percentage of sales tax within the region. He added that India had imposed a 27 % sales tax on its petroleum products.
CJP in response remarked that India’s taxes with Pakistan’s are incomparable. Nisar sought an explanation over the matter from the concerned authorities.
The court adjourned the next hearing for a week.
Previously, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had presented its sixth budget on April 27 detailing a budget of Rs 5,932.5 billion. The suggestions were taken up and an increase was announced on petroleum prices with effective from May 1. The suggestions stated nearly a 200% increase in petroleum taxes.