RGST Bill: Rumpus marks Senate session

Once again, the RGST Bill and Finance Bill drew severe flak from both opposition and part of treasury benches in the Senate, Dunya News reported on Friday. Awami National Party, however, remained aloof from the protest being staged against the abovesaid bills and walked out of the Upper House against the arrests of Pakhtuns in Karachi over their alleged links with the Taliban. Later, they were convinced to rejoin the Upper House proceedings. A rumpus was witnessed when the review report on RGST tax, prepared by Senate Standing Committee for Finance and Revenue, tabled in the Senate. On this, Chairman Senate Farook H Naek got annoyed and ruled that none of the members would be allowed to violate the rules. Earlier, JUI filed motions against amended Finance Bill and RGST Bill 2010. The motions stated that JUI rejected the said bills outrightly, while opposition leader in Seante Wasim Sajjad also moved a motion against RGST Bill. The Upper House would formulate its suggestions within 14 days to be transmitted to the Lower House, which would accept or reject the Bill. The National Assembly is competent to pass any Money Bill, which would become Act of Parliament after the ascent of the President.