Increasing power, gas tariffs a compulsion: PM's adviser Hafeez Sheikh

LAHORE: Adviser to PM on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh said on Saturday that increasing electricity and gas tariffs was a compulsion as the government could not afford to provide subsidies under the current circumstances.

Presiding over a meeting here, Sheikh said the burden of taxes will have to be borne for some time. He said the government would try getting suggestions of industrialists and traders acted upon.

"The sad thing is that no sector is willing to pay tax," the PM's adviser said.

During the meeting industrialists and traders presented various suggestions before the finance adviser for improvement of economic situation of the country, said Gohar Ejaz, group leader of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA).

Noting that businesses in the country were already struggling, Ejaz suggested that zero-rated duty on industries should be maintained.

Almas Haider said the ones already paying their taxes should not be burdened more.

Mohammad Ali Mian said the chairman of Federal Board of Revenue had himself admitted flaws in the country's system of taxation.

"The tax net cannot be widened under these circumstances," he said.