ISLAMABAD. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has informed the Senate Finance Committee about the implementation on recommendations given by the Senate in the budget 2017-18.
According to details, there were 52 recommendations for customs duty, income tax, sales tax and excise duty, among which at least 17 have been approved, 30 are dismissed and 5 are passed partially. While among 57 general recommendations, 24 were passed, 24 were dismissed and 9 had been partial approved.
The Standing Committee directed the FBR officials to provide detailed and column wise information regarding the recommendations made in the budget. The Standing Committee expressed grave concern over non-participation of FBR Chairman Tariq Mehmood Pasha in the meeting.
The Standing Committee was told that the government has loaned $7.4 billion from July 2016 to May 2017. In response to a question on interest rate of the loaned amount, the Secretary Finance requested the standing committee to get the details of this in camera session which has been approved.
The Standing Committee reviewed on the recommendations of the Corporate Rehabilitation Bill, 2017, details of the loans received in the previous year, budget recommendations of the Senate Standing Committee for Finance for financial year 2017-18.
Regarding the Corporate Recycling Bill 2017, Chairman Committee Senator Salim Mandviwala said that the Bill-in-Standing Committee had set up some suggestions which did not answer the Finance Ministry.
The SECP officials told the committee that there were four recommendations and committee to be informed within a week. Regarding the Government Health Scheme, in the context of the Medical Rehabilitation and Medical Allowance, Secretary Finance said that this matter is related to Ministry of Health, we can only provide the funds this matter can be reviewed and take up with the Ministry of Health.
Chairman of the committee Senator Salim Mandviwala said that there are many complaints regarding the health card scheme. The meeting was attended by Senators Illyas Ahmed Balour, Mohammad Mohsin Khan Leghari were also present during the meeting.
