The Council of Islamic ideology withdrew its previous statement declaring withholding tax on financial transactions such as “non-Islamic,” and clarified that no final decision had been made on the case.
The 342 meeting in CII on Wednesday described the withholding tax on fund transfers and cash withdrawals as excessive and incompatible with Islamic principles in its original communication. However, the Council later issued a clarification on the matter.
The follow -up declaration entitled “Clarification” said that reports suggesting that the Council had reached a final conclusion were misleading. It explained that only a preliminary discussion took place among some members where opinions varied.
“Members have recommended consulting experts at the next meeting for a more detailed discussion,” the statement added. “No final decision has been made by the Council on the question.”
CII also expressed a strong opposition to the proposed changes in Law Diyat (blood money), especially those that change the traditional Sharia-based valuations involving gold, silver and camels.
ALSO READ: WB -Lifter detects $ 40 billion for Pakistan -Reforms
The Council rejected the draft bill submitted for the amendment and claimed that the Islamic measures for DIYAT – based on silver, gold and camels – must remain intact. The proposed changes included the removal of silver as the reference and adoption of a non-sharia-compatible standard for gold.
It also expressed reservations about an 11th September 2025, the Supreme Court’s decision that the mandate IDdat (waiting time) and maintenance of non-marital women after divorce, which called it contrary to Quranic injunction.
In response to a study by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Council agreed on a guideline for citizens to respect banners, flags and inscriptions that carry holy words during Rabi’s al-Awwal that avoided any desecration.
With regard to medicine, the council advised diabetic patients to avoid insulin products containing pork-derived ingredients, noting that Halal-certified insulinal therapies are now available on the market and should be preferred where possible.
