Parliamentary Committee Raises Alarm Over Tax Collection Practices in Key Industries
A parliamentary committee on Thursday voiced serious concerns regarding the tax collection practices of the sugar, cement, and tobacco industries. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production, chaired by Syed Hafeezuddin, MNA, highlighted apprehensions that these sectors are collecting taxes from consumers but may not be duly transferring the amounts to the government. This issue was discussed in detail during a meeting held to address various industrial and production matters.
Committee Calls for Detailed Investigation and Hearings
In response to these concerns, the committee recommended that representatives from the sugar, cement, and tobacco industries, along with officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), be summoned to the next meeting. This step aims to examine the tax collection and remittance processes thoroughly, ensuring transparency and accountability in revenue generation for the state.
The committee also adopted the report of a sub-committee and decided to revive it for another month to ensure continued progress on assigned tasks. This move underscores the legislative body's commitment to resolving outstanding issues and enhancing oversight in industrial sectors.
K-Electric Tariff Dispute and PSDP Projects Addressed
Another significant topic discussed was the issue concerning K-Electric, specifically the charging of commercial tariffs from employees residing in the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) township. The committee expressed annoyance over this practice and recommended that the CEO of K-Electric appear personally at the next meeting. The CEO is expected to provide a comprehensive report on the matter, including complete details of the total amount collected from PSM employees so far, to address grievances and ensure fair billing practices.
Additionally, the committee approved six ongoing Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects for the fiscal year 2026-27. This approval came after the Ministry of Industries and Production successfully addressed outstanding concerns raised by members in a previous meeting held on February 16, 2026, facilitating the advancement of key development initiatives.
Meeting Attendance and Broader Implications
The meeting was attended by several MNAs, including Ms Kiran Imran Dar, Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Ms Naz Baloch, Dr Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, and Muhammad Iqbal Khan. Also present were the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production, along with other senior officials from the ministry and its attached departments. Their participation highlights the collaborative effort to tackle industrial challenges and promote economic governance.
This development comes amid broader efforts to enhance regulatory frameworks and ensure that industries contribute fairly to national revenue. The committee's actions reflect a proactive approach to addressing potential tax evasion and improving accountability in key economic sectors, which could have significant implications for Pakistan's fiscal health and industrial policy moving forward.
