ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (Alliance News): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Tuesday announced a significant cut in sales tax on solar panels, reducing it from 18 percent to 10 percent, in an effort to encourage renewable energy usage and support the country’s economic stability.
Addressing the Senate, Dar revealed that nearly 46 percent of solar system components are imported, and the government’s decision aims to reduce costs for consumers and promote green energy initiatives.
He also clarified the government’s stance on the digital tax, stating that sales tax on digital services will fall under provincial jurisdiction, dispelling earlier misunderstandings.
Speaking about development projects, Dar said that the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) will implement projects across all four provinces. He emphasized that PIDCL will serve as an alternative to the now-defunct Public Works Department (PWD), ensuring more efficient infrastructure delivery.
On the economic front, Dar asserted that Pakistan’s economy is stabilizing gradually and confirmed that discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are ongoing to address revenue challenges.
He also announced increased budgetary allocations for universities in Sindh and emphasized the need for unity and cooperation among all political stakeholders to move the country forward. Dar noted that more than six meetings had been held with coalition partners to finalize the budget.
Regarding the Middle East crisis, the Deputy Prime Minister said that over two dozen member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s attacks on Iran.
