UNISAME URGES WITHDRAWAL OF SALES TAX ON RELIEF GOODS

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) said at a time when the country is drowned in floods and inflation it would be unwise to impose sales tax on food,clothing and relief goods such as tents, plastic jerry cans, ropes, rugs and blankets.
President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver said it is indeed painful and shameful to note that there is 17% sales tax on white fabric used to wrap dead bodies. There is 17% sales tax on food items and there is sales tax on second hand clothing also although the common man is no longer in a position to buy new clothes and resorts to second hand clothing.
There is immediate requirement of all relief goods namely items of food, medicines, clothing and shelter and the government is well aware of this but has not taken action to withdraw sales tax on these goods.
The goods purchased by donors of relief goods are subject to 17% sales tax which is reducing the quantity of goods as the donors have a budget and if sales tax is withdrawn than more goods can be purchased within the budgeted amount.
The Unisame Council has urged all provincial governments to immediately withdraw sales tax on relief goods for earnest relief to the victims of this great tragedy

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