Flood tax in Sindh may mar MQM-PPP coalition

KARACHI: Disputes between coalition partners in Sindh government – PPP and MQM – have emerged lately today, following the recommendations sought in a cabinet meeting for imposition of flood tax in Sindh, Geo News reported Monday.

The meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in chair held at Bilawal House in the evening, which discussed flood situation, rehabilitation of affectees and winter crops in Sindh and Balochistan.

PPP confirmed approval of flood tax while MQM spurned its imposition, leading situation on the brink of likely turmoil in PPP-MQM coalition in Sindh.

Advisor to CM Sindh, Dr. Qaiser Bangali said it is not a new tax, saying it would be levied on already prevailing taxes in terms of surcharges.

“Flood tax is in state of limbo at the moment, as the Sindh cabinet will reach consensus before endorsement”, he told media.

On the occasion, Sindh Minister for Health Dr Sagheer Ahmed said: “I rejected flood tax’s imposition in Sindh.”

“MQM was not taken on board in this connection”, he told reason of his disagreement.

PPP’s Secretary Information Fauzia Wahab said Sindh flood tax will be charged one time and President Zardahi has endorsed its imposition.

Provincial minister for Irrigation Jam Saifullah Dharejo said flood-devastated irrigation system in Sindh promptly needs 7 billion rupees for reforms in this sector.

He warned against more horrific floods within 4 to 5 years.