Operators want tax on cable services withdrawn

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 14 June 2015

Khalid Arain, Chairman of the Cable Operations Association, has called for the withdrawal of the cable services tax. He argues that this tax imposes an unnecessary financial burden on both operators and the public.

Summary

KARACHI: Chairman Cable Operations Association Khalid Arain Sunday urged the government to withdraw cable services tax as this was an additional financial burden on cable operators. Addressing a press conference, he said the government should give 10-year tax exemption to cable operators to switch to the latest technology. He said the cable operators are already paying services tax and imposition of new tax is in fact a new tax on the public. “We already face difficulties in getting payment from our subscribers; so how can we collect a new tax from the people,” he asked. He said the government has imposed a tax on cheap recreation for the people and this should immediately be taken back.

KEY POINTS:

• Khalid Arain urges withdrawal of cable services tax.
• New tax adds financial strain on cable operators.
• Operators already pay existing service taxes.
• Ten-year tax exemption requested for technology upgrade.
• Tax impacts affordable entertainment options for the public.