Rights of tobacco growers, dealers to be protected: Speaker

F.P. Report

SWABI: Speaker National Assembly, Assad Qaisar has explicitly said that rights of tobacco growers, small companies and associated dealers would be protected. He was chairing a meeting to discuss matters relating to tobacco growers here on Friday. The meeting among others was attended by Senator, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, Special Assistance to Chief Minister on Industries, Abdul Karim Khan, MNA, Usman Khan Tarakai, Member FBR, Ahmad Mushtaq, Secretary Agriculture and concerned officials and representatives of tobacco growers are also presented on the occasion.

Participants told the meeting was told that 300 rupees tax on tobacco would benefit multinational companies, and on the contrary it would increase the burden on small companies. It was demanded that tobacco crop should be declared provincial-crop and it should be placed under the ambit of provincial government.