PTI Criticizes Executive Overreach in Punjab Tax Legislation

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has raised concerns over what it perceives as the executive branch’s encroachment upon the legislative authority of the Punjab Assembly, particularly regarding tax legislation. PTI legislator Ahmer Rasheed Bhatti highlighted that recent bills, such as the Punjab Agricultural Income Tax Bill and the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority Act, contain language like “may be prescribed by rules,” which he argues grants the executive undue discretion in tax matters. Bhatti emphasized that, according to Articles 77 and 127 of the Constitution, the power to impose taxes resides solely with the legislature. He also referenced Supreme Court judgments cautioning against excessive delegation of legislative powers to the executive. Bhatti criticized fellow legislators for not fulfilling their roles in legislating and overseeing the government effectively.