Mujtaba rules out more taxes

LAHORE:Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said the government does not intend to impose further tax on the public.

The minister was chairing Punjab Cabinet’s Standing Committee on Legislative Business and privatisation which convened its 10th meeting. The minister noted that protecting road infrastructure and enforcing traffic laws is essential, and thus the increase in penalties for overloaded vehicles is both reasonable and necessary.

He urged vehicle owners to comply with regulations regarding road permits, fitness certificates, and vehicle registrations to help preserve urban infrastructure and avoid penalties. The minister also underscored the importance of securing a reliable water supply for agriculture as a means of ensuring food security. He called on industrialists to view tax compliance as a responsibility rather than a burden, pointing out that tax evasion by large industries places undue strain on smaller traders. While the canal system was originally designed to irrigate agricultural lands, it has also been utilised by industries, who, he suggested, should pay appropriate rates for this benefit.

The committee discussed revising water rates for industries to encourage them to develop their own resources rather than relying solely on canal water. Supporting the increase in fines for overloaded vehicles, Sohaib Bherth highlighted that overloaded vehicles significantly contribute to the deterioration of road infrastructure, leading to increased repair costs. By imposing stricter penalties,the government aims to foster adherence to traffic laws, which would ultimately reduce expenses and help conserve resources.

Additionally, the committee approved a proposal to formally recognise the Right to Nutrition and Food Security as a fundamental human right, reinforcing Punjab’s commitment to public welfare. The meeting also lifted the recruitment ban in the Directorate of Monitoring under the Home Department, allowing the department to effectively meet its operational needs.

The meeting brought together Provincial Minister for Communication and Law, Malik Sohaib Bherth, along with senior officials from various departments. Key decisions were taken on over ten agenda items presented by the departments, all focused on advancing governance, legal amendments, and public service delivery across the province.

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the approval of amendments to the Punjab Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1964, aimed at enforcing a more stringent axle load management system. These changes are designed to control overloading of vehicles, buses, and trailers to protect the integrity of road infrastructure.

Updates were also approved for the Police Award Compensation and Border Military & Baluch Levy Service Rules 2009 under the Home Department, enhancing service rules and compensation protocols for law enforcement personnel.

The committee further reviewed and approved amendments to the Punjab Canal Water Supply and Irrigation Rules, specifically adjusting the Canal Command Area Rules 2024. The revised rules propose increased water rates for industrial use, promoting sustainable water resource management and prioritising the needs of the agricultural sector.