KARACHI, Jan 18: An inter-provincial meeting of the law ministers of Punjab and Sindh was held here on Friday to review the progress of enforcement of anti-Benami laws to discourage those who buy properties in others’ names to evade taxes.

The meeting was informed that the Benami properties (prohibition) laws are proposed to be promulgated by the federal government.

Sindh Minister for Law and Human Rights Justice Syed Abdur Rehman said the practice of holding bank accounts by the account-holders in fictitious names be discouraged.

The minister said the practice whereby immovable properties are held in others’ names by the real owner be also discouraged. However, just exceptions could be allowed in case of wife or children, he added.

The law minister of Punjab, Dr. Khalid Ranjha, also strongly criticised the practice of purchasing or keeping immovable properties in other persons’ names.

The meeting was informed that public opinion would be taken in this regard.—PPI