KARACHI: The Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with Sindh Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, at the CM House in Karachi on Saturday. During the meeting, Aurangzeb assured Shah that the at-source deduction issue would be resolved fairly and agreeably. He expressed a willingness to address any concerns that the province may have.
Chief Minister Shah highlighted that his government has consistently paid its electricity bills promptly, suggesting that if there were any outstanding bills, the federal government should have brought them to their attention instead of resorting to at-source deductions.
Pointing out an incident where the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) deducted Rs6 billion from the province at source based on vehicle registration data, Shah noted that despite the issue being resolved, the amount has yet to be refunded.
Minister Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of fostering a professional working relationship between federal and provincial organizations, stressing the need for mutual learning, support, and cooperation for collective growth and development.
The discussion also touched upon the recent hike in industrial gas prices, which left industrialists disgruntled. Both parties agreed to address this concern by engaging with the federal petroleum minister.
Regarding the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Shah highlighted that Sindh has not received any new schemes for the past eight years, unlike other provinces. It was decided to raise this issue with the federal planning minister.
Furthermore, the federal and provincial governments pledged to collaborate in modernizing the agriculture sector, tapping into its export potential by cultivating high-quality crops, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products for foreign exchange earnings.
Shah outlined efforts to introduce new technologies to enhance crop yields and ensure the availability of certified seeds in the market.
The discussion also encompassed the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by floods, with Shah noting ongoing efforts in rebuilding houses, schools, and roads. However, he lamented the delay in the disbursement of funds pledged by international donors for reconstruction.
Both parties agreed on simplifying and automating investment procedures to attract foreign investment across various sectors. Aurangzeb commended Sindh’s effective public-private partnership initiatives, acknowledging their positive impact on both the public and private sectors.
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