Tax evaders don't have any right to contest polls: CM Shahbaz
15 February, 2013
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that those who do not pay taxes, who do not have a tax number and who are defaulters have no right at all to take part in general election.
Answering the questions of reporters on the inaugural ceremony of the 27th Lahore International Book Fair 2013 at Expo Centre, Johar Town, he said that electoral reforms were good, as those who got their loans, worth billion of rupees written off on political basis, should not be allowed to contest polls.
The CM said that those living in palaces, worth billions of rupees, do not pay taxes, while billions of rupees of loans had been written off during the last many years on political basis. "Such persons have no right to participate in general election."
He said that Zardari had mercilessly looted national resources, but he must return the looted wealth of the people. He said that real intentions of 'political jugglers' had been exposed, as a result of decision on petition for the dissolution of the Election Commission of Pakistan. He said that Zardari was trying to derail electoral process, but the people would thwart his nefarious designs.
Shahbaz said that those who had suddenly come back after enjoying in foreign lands had a foreign agenda, and his observation had been proved right. He said that Zardari was also behind a conspiracy to delay general election and to derail the electoral process.
The CM said that the Metro Bus Service was a great project, which had been made for the common man and was an asset of the nation. "Therefore, its protection is a collective responsibility."
He said that he had appealed to the people to maintain discipline while travelling on metro buses, and use them with care, as "it is their own transport system".
Students on the occasion said that genuine passengers were facing difficulties using the bus service, as many people were commuting just because the ride was for free.
They said that fare for metro bus should be announced soon. The chief minister inquired as to what should be the fare, on which some women said that it should be between Rs 20 to Rs 30.
On this, he said the decision regarding the fare of metro buses would be made soon after a detailed review.
The CM later visited bookstalls. Renowned journalist and Lahore International Book Fair Trust Secretary General Najam Sethi, Lahore International Book Fair Trust Chairman Zubair Saeed, the Directorate General of Public Relations information secretary, students and a large number of book readers attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz said that the relation between a civilised person and books was eternal. He said that holding the International Book Fair was a good attempt and its organisers and publishers should be appreciated. He hoped that the book fair would play a significant role in promoting book-reading culture among the people.
More than 300 publishers from Pakistan, Britain, Germany, America, India, Turkey and other countries have set up their stalls in the book fair, which would continue until February 18.
The chief minister was also presented a set of the copy of the Holy Quran and other books during his visit to the bookstalls.
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