President Asif Zardari has announced that the government plans to impose a tax on large-scale farmers, similar to income tax, as part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking at a seminar in Lahore, Zardari emphasized the importance of adopting a collective approach and highlighted the potential of agriculture, agri-farming, and agro-industry in Pakistan’s future.
The president clarified that small farmers will be exempt from the tax, which will be levied by provincial governments. The tax will be based on profits, and farmers will be required to show their expenses, including payments made to peasants. Zardari acknowledged that the move may face resistance but stressed its necessity.
During his address, Zardari also touched on media freedom, expressing support for a free press but criticizing “agenda-driven journalism.” He shared his personal experience, revealing that he had never asked his media owner friends to censor material, citing his appreciation for the importance of a free press.
The president paid tribute to the late Prof Waris Mir, whose death anniversary was being marked at the seminar. He also addressed allegations of poisoning leveled by Mir’s son, drawing parallels with the assassinations of his own party leaders, including Murtaza Bhutto, Shahnawaz Bhutto, and Benazir Bhutto.
Later, Zardari visited Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) chief Chaudary Shujaat Hussain, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, to inquire about his health. The meeting was also attended by Shujaat’s sons, Federal Minister Salak Hussain and provincial Minister Shafay Hussain.
