Democratic representatives have not given preference to people on gas matter: CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has remarked democratic representatives have not preferred the people on the matter of gas despite the fact that democratic governments are representative of people.
He further remarked “those are sitting in the departments who can not be taken to task by any one. Government has inducted these people again so that they keep on fighting with Supreme Court (SC) If it is so then we will fight and will keep on fighting for the sake of public interest. Additional 9 percent tax is

being charged on CNG since 2007.  What says the government about it  but it is the consumers  who pay the additional tax and not the companies. Holy month of Ramadan is coming. Flood of price hike has also raged. The right to life is being snatched from the poor people. When petroleum products will go expensive then prices of daily use commodities will go skyrocketing.
Justice Ejaz Chaudhry remarked “ if the national kitty is empty owing to corruption then why its  burden is being shifted to the shoulders of people. People had not elected their representatives to commit corruption. No proceeding is initiated against the plunderers of billion of rupees. Then government finds  only people to shift the burden.
A 3-member bench of SC presided over by the CJP took up the case for hearing Friday. Attorney General (AG) Munir A Malik and others appeared in the court.
CJP remarked “government has again slapped 9 percent additional tax on CNG and people have to pay it in the form of 26 percent while the real ratio of tax stands at 17 percent. Why the people should pay 9 percent additional tax. AG should explain it and present notification of this additional tax in the court.
AG took the plea 9 percent additional tax is recovered from companies and its burden is not being shifted to people and only 17 percent tax is charged to them.
CJP remarked “ please satisfy us what is justification  behind levying 26 percent tax to the people while the maximum ratio of tax is 17 percent. Companies don’t pay tax from their own pockets and they shift this burden to consumers.
The court sought details of GST  recovered on petroleum products and CNG from July, 1, 2007 to July, 1, 2013 and directed the AG to present legal and constitutional justification on imposition of 26 percent tax on CNG .
The hearing of the case was adjourned till July, 24.