Cabinet members give tough time to Miftah over taxes and fuel price hike

ISLAMABAD, June 21: Federal cabinet members gave tough time to Finance Minister Miftah Ismail over recent increase in taxes and prices of petroleum products.
According to details, a federal cabinet meeting was held under the chair of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss political and economic situation of the country.
During the meeting, ministers asked tough questions from Finance Minister about economic crisis and even PM Shehbaz Sharif, while directing Miftah Ismail to address concerns of his colleague, said that he will not defend him.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that due to petrol price hike popularity of all parties that are part of the coalition government has taken a hit. However, Finance Minister reassured that Pakistan will soon hear a good news from International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He also clarified that tax has been increased only for the rich. The minister also hoped that Pakistan will soon exit grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
After the meeting, PM Shehbaz while talking to media persons, said that government hiked petroleum prices with a heavy heart as previous government placed landmines for the new government by reducing and freezing the prices.
The premier added that these testing times are a challenge for the government but they, with the help of their allies, will overcome this crisis. -DNA