As if periodic increases in POL products and electricity/gas
tariffs, and resultant spiral rise in the price of commodities
almost on weekly basis, had not made the life of a common man
miserable, in the wake of terrorism, load-shedding and sugar crisis,
the government plans to announce mini budget, introducing a new set
of tax measures effective 1st January 2010. Indeed, the government
needs additional revenue for purchase of bullet-proof vehicles,
conducting overseas tours, constructing lodges for the
parliamentarians and other similar essential expenditures.
Considering that the proposed measures through the mini budget may
not be enough to sustain maintenance of the current high standard of
the government, a number of other tax measures can be adopted. a few
are suggested herebelow: Air Consumption Tax may be imposed on
breathing. Surcharge @15% may be applied to people suffering from
asthma as they breathe heavily. Eating Tax may be imposed on eating
two meals a day, (because of a strong economy now the commoner is
already unable to afford to take daily three meals). Eating less
will indirectly bring in reduction in the government’s health budget
too due to reduced obesity, level of cholesterol and cardiac
diseases. Drinking Water Tax may be imposed on drinking more than
two glasses daily, additionally taking bath more than once a month
should also be taxed. Wearing clothes may be taxable and additional
tax be charged on changing the dress on a daily basis. People not
wearing clothes however should be given special tax refund. Birth
Tax may be imposed on the birth of every child. Tax should be @ 10%
of the monthly wage rate of the father, and if the mother is a
working woman, she will also have to pay 10% of her wages, it is
also suggested that this tax should be increased to 20% to 30% on
every additional birth. A Death Tax may be imposed on every person
who dies. An additional tax is also suggested applicable to the
suicidal or accidental death. However, 10% rebate may be permitted
for advance payment.—Islamabad
Gulshan-i-Jinnah complex
Saba Gul
Ministry of Housing & Works is creating problem for the allottees of
Gulshan-i-Jinnah Complex,sector F-5/1, from time to time by issuing
various kinds of notices. Residents are already facing various
hardships because the area falls under so- called ‘Red Zone’. If
Govt has some other planning for this area, then it must be open.
Why it is harrasing the residents in the garb of allottment and re-allottment
for three and six months.These are two bed rooms small family
suites. Federal govt servants have no other way except to accomodate
themselves in these small family suites because of shortage of
reasonable and balance govt accomodation in the Federal Capital.
All allottees are paying their dues and majority of them are Federal
Govt servants ranging from BPS 17 to 20 and above. If govt
accomodation is short I suggest that big official houses of Catt I,
II in various sectors of Islamabad must be diveded into two houses,
so that more govt servants might be accomodated. There is need for
an equal and balanced policy keeping in view the growing housing
needs of the federal govt servants. In most of the Catt. I, II
houses, it has been noticed that number of servants, cars and dogs
are more than real residents.The people living in Gulshan-i-Jinah
Complex live in small two bedroom houses kids and with other near
and dear one even they accomodate servats. They are rather contented
on this accomodation. I humbly request the PM and Minister for
Housing & Works to intervne.—Islamabad
Pak-Iran relations
Huma Rehman
Pakistan and Iran are Muslim countries as well as leading regional
players. Iran is also neighbor of Pakistan and share a common
border. When Pakistan became an independent State on 14th August,
1947 Iran was the first country that accorded official recognition
to the independence of Pakistan. Pakistan wanted good and friendly
relation with other countries in the world, especially with the
Muslim States.
Pakistan has brotherly relation with Iran and wanted to develope
strong relationship to maintain regional stability. Pakistan-Iran
and Turkey also formed Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) in
1960s. More importantly, RCD served as an indication to the Economic
Cooperation Organization (ECO), formed in 1985. Both countries can
find political solution to local problems such as Baloch insurgency
and boost energy trade. As IPI project is workable for both States
and most importantly revenues from the pipeline could be used to
assist the development of Baluchistan opening the door to progress
on this problem.—Islamabad
Gilgit-Baltistan elections
Sonia Zafar
The recently concluded elections in Gilgit-Baltistan represent the
victory of democratic forces and people of the region who have long
been striving for their constitutional rights. During my visit to
former Northern Areas in 2006, I was wonderstruck to see the level
of despondency and frustration that swept across different sections
of opinion. The government deserves our appreciation for it took
note of the long-standing demands of people and introduced
constitutional reforms aimed at empowering them. The recent
elections should be seen in that regard as well. It can be hoped
that the newly elected leadership of region would leave no stone
unturned to take steps for the progress and prosperity of the
region. —Lahore
Corruption at the peak
Hanif Baloch
The latest report by Transparency International reveals that
corruption has risen in Pakistan and the State is annually pilfered
of Rs500b. Yet some of our politicians, members of civil or military
bureaucracy and few amongst the civil society and print media
dismiss this as a necessary evil, because they all benefit from this
cancer of corruption. 500 Billion rupees is more than the annual
allocation for education, health and social development in Pakistan.
It is more than the Rs166b offered to Pakistan per annum under the
controversial Kerry Lugar Bill. This money if utilized properly can
resolve the issue of deprivation that has led to an insurgency like
situation in Balochistan or eradicate the threat of extremism, that
today has become our biggest problem.
Corruption is the biggest threat to our national security.
Appointment of cronies and retired khakis to key executive
assignments in State owned corporations have contributed to rise in
corruption. Reports published in Liberation, a newspaper of France
has revealed that in the Agosta Submarine deal, $50 million were
siphoned off as kickbacks to members of military, civil and
political elite involved in this deal. It is time that the people of
Pakistan understand that corruption is the biggest impediment to
development in Pakistan and most potent source of danger to our
national security. Those who dismiss corruption as a non-issue are
enemies of the State.—Quetta
