President Asif Zardari announced on Tuesday that the government would levy a tax on large-scale agriculturists, similar to income tax, as part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Speaking at a seminar in Lahore commemorating the death anniversary of Prof Waris Mir, and later visiting Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) chief Chaudary Shujaat Hussain, Zardari emphasized the need for a collective approach.
During the seminar, Zardari highlighted agriculture, agri-farming, and the agro-industry as key to the future. He hinted at disapproval towards his central government ally, saying, “some don’t believe in agriculture and they don’t understand it.”
Zardari clarified that the new tax would target only large agriculturists, exempting small farmers. He stated that provincial governments would impose this tax, in line with IMF conditions. “It will be similar to income tax, where agriculturists will declare their expenses, including payments to peasants,” he explained. “The tax will be levied on profits,” he added, jokingly noting, “We’ll assume that our yield has dropped.”
The president affirmed his support for media freedom but opposed “agenda-driven journalism.” He mentioned having friends in the media but never asked them to censor material, recognizing the importance of journalistic integrity.
Zardari paid tribute to Prof Waris Mir, referencing allegations by Mir’s son that his father was poisoned. He noted that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had faced assassinations of its leaders, including Murtaza Bhutto, Shahnawaz Bhutto, and Benazir Bhutto.
Later, Zardari, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, visited Chaudary Shujaat Hussain to inquire about his health. Shujaat’s sons, Federal Minister Salak Hussain and Provincial Minister Shafay Hussain, were also present.
