The Punjab government will collect Rs 100 per month from every shop across all the markets in Lahore.
Islamabad (Pakistan Point News – 13th December, 2018) The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was criticized for planning to impose sin tax on cigarettes and now it is all set to introduce garbage tax for the people.
The Punjab government will collect Rs 100 per month from every shop across all the markets in Lahore.
Senior Provincial Minister Aleem Khan has announced to collect this amount from the citizens, further adding to their burden.
The Punjab government had ordered Lahore Waste Management Company to do its working on tax collection.
However, Aleem Khan has now ordered taking Rs 100 from every shop in Lahore under ‘garbage tax’.
According to media reports, the local government department had prepared a plan which was to be approved by the cabinet.
Media reports further said that the government has excused to run waste companies over debts. Four districts in Punjab, including Lahore, bears a debt of Rs 46.85 billion.
Currently, the citizens of Lahore are paying Rs 35 per house. There are recommendations to increase this amount as well, while the garbage tax in this regard will be imposed next year.
Earlier, the PTI government had announced to impose sin tax on smokers.
According to details, the sin tax will be imposed on smokers who are the frequent buyers of cigarettes.
The amount collected from sin tax will be spent on health sector.
Moreover, the price of cigarettes is expected to rise in view of the government’s decision. The health ministry is considering various options regarding the sin tax.
It is planning to impose a Rs 5-15 tax on cigarettes.
Sources said that the sin tax can create an annual earning worth billions.
Pakistan will be the second country to impose sin tax on cigarettes, after Philippines that has a similar law.
