No violation of law made by promulgating Ordinance to ratify tax amnesty scheme: Rana Afzal

ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal on Monday said that no violation of law has been made by promulgating Ordinance to ratify tax amnesty scheme and three other Ordinances when the Parliament was not in session.

Responding to a point of order raised by Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, he said that no breach of privilege has been made and no violation took place by promulgating Ordinances when the Parliament was not in session.

State Minister said that law provides for timeframe and Law Department was consulted before promulgating this Ordinance. He said that approval of Cabinet was taken by circulation before promulgation.

He said Ordinance will ultimately come to the House and debate can be initiated after it.  The minister said that hard work was made to protect the financial interests of the people.

He said power shortage compelled people and investors to leave the country and it is not unfair to take step for their return after fulfilling the power and energy requirements.

Senator Haroon Akhter Khan also endorsed the Finance Minister and said that Ordinance can’t be objected till it is laid in the House and members review it for debate.