MQM stages Senate walk out over tax increase on incoming international calls
A view of the Senate in Islamabad. — File photo
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said the increased tax was a form of extortion, adding that, his party would continue the walk out until the tax was withdrawn.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.
I fully support MQM on this issue and appreciate them for the bold and timely stand which has affected every Pakistani living abroad. I appeal those in the assemblies and in power for God sake if you can not solve the problems of our Paksiatni brothers back home at least spare us
Higher taxation does not deter grey traffic. It further increases it. When will our government understand this simple principle. I am afraid that this increase has been done without due diligence on its impact. The conclusion is that decision is made because of incompetence at best and corruption at worst.
MQM are making all this noise because bhai’s conference call will be more expensive
Lol! On serious note, Bahi is not the only one calling Pakistan so it impacts everyone who calls Pakistan both individuals and businesses.
This is utterly ignorant view. Why you forget the millions Pakistanis living abroad who call their relatives and friends?
it is definitely good step tax on luxurious things and i think MQM is facing financial problem or not able to pay the tax of incoming call of their so called leader from London………i would like to say that it is not impossible especially for this part whose expense
What you probably don’t know is that this tax which has increased call rates from 300% to 800% effect Pakistanis all around the world. I am also sure that these political parties will have no problem in paying those and it will only effect hard working overseas Pakistanis. It’s good that they have taken up this issue and it should be appreciated even if you (like me) don’t usually agree with them.
I didn’t know that some ppl consider calling home as a LUXURIOUS THING.
Our Govt can’t extract much out of the local pockets so now its time for International ones.
Who presented the attention notice?
Finally someone thought this is an issue and should be discussed. Despite of everything I have against MQM, I think I should support them on this issue as this is something effecting all overseas Pakistanis and is not a fair tax. Good Work and please keep walking out until it’s taken back.
Keep walking out and do nothing…Good advice, isn’t it?
What did others do? nothing. What would you advise Mr. glass half empty?
now the corrupt politicians wants pakistani abroad to fund their corruptions. Elections coming, wait and see more extortions on the way.
Dont forget as my phone bill will go up my remittance will go down . Its simple as that.
your remitance is going to your family, tax on call charges is going directly in the pocket of rehman malik
Its so unfair,, we are Pakistanis abroad and we love our dear ones.. and call rates increased about 10 times .. this is totally unacceptable.
So Government making sure every Pakistani, whether be in any corner of the world should equally enjoying the effects of this corrupt regime.
The poor Pakistanis abroad, who do not see their families for months and sometimes years talk to their families and now they are not even allowing that. Such a shame!
ever heard of SKYPE!!!! it’s FREE.
How many people in Pakistan can afford internet and please do not forget do you have constant supply of electricity in Pakistan?
As much as he is hated by most of Pakistanis, Altaf Hussain is atleast doing good for them
what a pity, when people start believing that altaf hussain is their leader.