ISLAMABAD: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Friday staged a walk out from the Senate upon the imposition of tax on incoming international telephone calls, DawnNews reported.

MQM Senator Tahir Hussain Mashhadi said the increased tax was a form of extortion, adding that, his party would continue the walk out until the tax was withdrawn.

Today's Senate session was held under the chairmanship of Nayyar Hussain Bokhari.

During the session, a call to attention notice was presented on the increased tax imposed on incoming international calls.

Speaking on the notice, Senator Raza Rabbani said that the tax was implemented after collusion between the Long Distance International (LDI) operators and the regulatory authority and it was part of a conspiracy to save billions in payments.

Senator Rabbani moreover urged that to immediately withdraw the imposition.

Speaking during the session, Pakistan Muslim League – Quaid (PML-Q) Senator Kamil Ali Agha said that remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis had already dropped by 10 per cent, adding that, the tax on incoming international calls would lead to a further decrease in remittances.

Moreover during the session, Leader of House in the Senate Jahangir Badar said that the new tax was imposed by the Ministry of Information Technology after obtaining approval from the prime minister.

Badar said the new tax would curtail grey trafficking in the telecom sector and would also bring in revenue of 500 million dollars each month.

The Senate's session was later adjourned until 5 pm Monday.