By Uzma Sahar 
The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on Wednesday ruled that withholding tax on the withdrawal or transfer of money from banks is un-Islamic. The council emphasized that deducting tax on a person’s own money has no justification in Shariah.
Dr. Naeemi, explaining the decision, said that within the framework of the Quran and Sunnah, no reasonable basis exists for deducting withholding tax from individuals’ deposits. He clarified that paying such a levy on one’s own money is impermissible under Islamic principles.
The ruling carries significant implications for Pakistan’s financial system, where withholding tax has long been a debated method of revenue collection by the government. Economists and legal experts are now assessing how this decision may influence fiscal policies in the coming months.
The council also rejected a proposed amendment to the Diyat law that suggested gold should remain the sole standard for compensation in cases of blood money. The CII insisted that Shariah-prescribed options — gold, silver, and camels — must remain intact, declaring the amendment “un-Islamic.”
During the session, the council offered guidance on medical ethics, particularly regarding the use of insulin containing pork-based components. It advised that diabetic patients should avoid such products if halal alternatives are available, aligning with Islamic rulings that encourage permissible medical solutions.
Expressing concerns over recent judicial developments, the CII raised reservations about the Supreme Court’s September 11 ruling that made iddat (waiting period) and maintenance mandatory for an unmarried woman after divorce. The council said this interpretation does not align with the Quran and Sunnah.
In health-related decisions, the CII conditionally approved the establishment of human milk banks, provided that safeguards and legislation are in place to prevent misuse. The council stressed that its involvement in drafting regulations is essential to ensure compliance with Islamic principles.
Other recommendations included the immediate cleaning of Quran copies used for testimonies, which may contain impurities, and support for the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ proposal to develop a Rabi-ul-Awwal ringtone reminding citizens to respect holy banners and inscriptions.
The council also reviewed the blasphemy case against Mirza Muhammad Ali Engineer, following a letter from the FIA Cyber Crime Wing, underlining its active role in addressing religious and ethical issues in society