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Traders’ strike
The traders were successful in striking across the country supported by political parties, because of the immoderate charges in electricity bills, especially their use as tax collection devices. However, everyone knows that the real strike is against the Tajir Dost Scheme, by which they are to be brought in the tax net. Shehbaz Sharif from his beginning as an advocate for the business community has become head of a government which has promised the IMF that it will increase the number of taxpayers.
The sales tax regime requires retailers to charge sales tax and claim refunds on taxes already paid, revealing their actual turnover and leading to income tax liabilities. While this should increase government revenue, traders resist paying taxes, citing corruption in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as a reason. However, businessmen often collaborate with corrupt tax officials, contributing to the problem. Expanding the tax net has become essential for the government to secure loans, making the strike less about government impositions and more about maintaining a system that allows traders to avoid paying their fair share.
After all, if everyone had paid his fair whack, the country’s finances would probably not be in the mess they are in. It is in the interest of the country that every one whether salaried person or businessman, he should contribute towards national exchequer. On the other part, it is responsibility of the tax collectors to maintain the Taxation system fair and transparent to the satisfaction of the taxpayers.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Fault is poverty
Reading about the tragic accident involving an elite individual and a poor motorcyclist brought me to tears. The recent accident on Karachi’s Karsaz Road shocked everyone, highlighting how poverty can cost lives and how justice is often denied. Amina, a 26-year-old pursuing an MBA while working part-time, and her father, Imran Arif, who sold bread and snacks from a cycle, did not deserve such a tragic end. Both were killed by a speeding white Land Cruiser and three others were severely injured in the accident.
Natasha, portrayed in the media as coming from a wealthy family and the wife of an entrepreneur, was given special treatment at the scene. Despite her status, she has been portrayed as mentally ill in court, which reflects the harsh reality of justice in Pakistan. Wealthy individuals often evade accountability, while the underprivileged suffer. This case exemplifies how justice is delayed and denied, with the poor often left without recourse.
Poverty is to blame for Amina’s tragic death. I urge honest higher-ranking officials to ensure justice for Amina and her father, as their deaths were not an accident but a direct result of negligence. Perpetrators should face the same consequences as anyone else, and every individual has the right to justice and life.
SADAM HUSSAIN
Ghotki, Sindh
Thalassemia tragedy
I am writing to bring to the authorities’ attention a critical health crisis in Turbat, Balochistan, where a large number of people are suffering from Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder. The situation is dire and I implore immediate action to address this urgent need.
Due to the high prevalence of Thalassemia in Turbat, many patients require regular blood transfusions to survive. However, the availability of blood is severely limited, resulting in a significant number of deaths. The lack of blood supply has become a major obstacle in the treatment of Thalassemia patients, leaving them vulnerable to fatal consequences.
Turbat has one of the highest rates of Thalassemia in the world, with nearly 12% of the population affected. This is due to a combination of factors, including consanguineous marriages, lack of awareness and limited access to healthcare. As a result, many children in Turbat are born with Thalassemia major, a severe form of the disease that requires regular blood transfusions and can lead to premature death if left untreated.
Efforts are being made to raise awareness and provide screening and treatment services, but more needs to be done to address this critical health hazard in Turbat.
MUNAEZA NASIR
Turbat Kech
Paparazzi life of social media users
The mirror has two sides, and so does the life of a social media user, whether on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. They always pretend to show the best version of their lives.
They show the meals they eat, the cars they travel in, the friends they make, the dresses they wear, etc. Many of their followers become jealous and start hating them because they are unaware of the true side of the paparazzi life of a so-called social media star or influencer.
They always present themselves as if they are the only ones living life to the fullest. People often forget that every mirror has two sides, and we only see the one shown to us. Altogether, the fake lives of social media users have manipulated the lives of both users and followers. The true essence of life is to accept who we are and what we want to become; it is an amalgamation of goals and achievements.
ABDUL KARIM BUGTI
Sukkur
