Speaker, National Assembly, Assad Qaisar has unequivocally 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 were 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 were also present on the occasion.

Participants of the meeting told that Rs300 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.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019