SC wants explanation over POL taxes

Supreme Court elicited explanation for the taxes imposed on petroleum products, Geo News reported Thursday. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry heard the case regarding prices of petrol and gas. The petitions of Rukhsana Zuberi of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Iqbal Zafar Jhagra of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) challenged the imposition of tax on prices of petroleum and gas. Both the parties filed their statements on the Bhagwandas Commission. Attorney General Sardar Lateef Khosa told the court that government is hammering out long-term and short-term policies in the light of this commission report, adding Rs134 billion in subsidy is being given despite hardships. Counsel of petroleum companies Khalid Anwar said in his arguments that government should curtail its expenditures and deliver benefits to the people by putting an end to the irregularities. The CJ said in his remarks no explanation was provided regarding the taxes imposed on the petroleum products; the ex-refinery price has been silently increased. He added the levying GST along with all the taxes including PDL, dealers’ commission is quite unwarranted; an explanation of it is vital, accordingly. The case hearing was adjourned till September 28.