Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Curse of tax evasion
No country in the world can survive, if its finance minister stands up in parliament and states that under no circumstances will the government he represents, increase taxation on two major sectors namely real estate and retail traders. This is exactly what the outgoing FM Dar stated on floor of NA. Earlier the PTI led coalition gave numerous amnesty schemes, but other than mere lip service and pep talk for the poor, they refused to levy direct taxes on large landowners, retailers and even the Sin Tax on tobacco, that they promised to do.
This has been role of every government that has held power since 2000 onwards, all inclusive, (Musharraf, AZ, MNS or IK). They all gave subsidies to the rich, facilitated tax evasion and preferred to bridge gap with indirect taxation, which has burdened the poor and lower middle classes. No government has made an effort to review the capacity-based Power Producers Agreement, a legacy of Musharraf and Shaukat Aziz, or cancel them at the expiry of their agreed time period. As if this was not enough, millions in Sindh, Punjab, KP etc., who tilled the land and barely survived feeding their families from agriculture produce, have been forcefully dispossessed of their land holdings, on some pretext or the other.
In August 2019, the PTI government introduced the GIDC Amendment Act, waiving Rs.228billion dues from influential owners of fertilizer, CNG and power sector companies. There are endless such waivers given by every government. In such circumstances the economic collapse had to occur and stares us in the face. It is not just utility bills such as electricity, gas etc., but basic food items have escalated beyond reach of large majority. Chaos from within threatens national security and must be tackled on a war footing.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Changa Manga forest
It is one of the world’s oldest hand-planted forests, dating back to 1866 when the North-Western Railway network was being built. The forest wood would be utilized as wooden sleepers on the rail rails. There are many man-made forests but Changa Manga is the largest man-made forest in Pakistan. It has a large variety of plants and wild animals. It is spread over 12,560 acres. One of the finest timbers is produced in this forest. The Changa Manga forest can be entered from a road off the N-5 Highway near Bhai Pheru and Chunian. At present, the forest covers an area of 48.6 square kilometres.
It was once the largest man-made forest in the world but massive deforestation has reduced it to less than half its original size. It has Dalbergia sissoo (Sheesham), Acacia nilotica (Kikar),Morus alba(White mulberry), Bombax ceiba (Simal).
Unluckily, trees in Changa Manga are being cut by people in illegal ways for their money and interest. Cutting trees has a negative impact on the environment. It also has a negative impact on wild animals.
Even influential political personalities are involved in cutting trees for their financial interest. People can enter from anywhere and cut trees because of lack of security. Lack of security is also a big issue. Some people are hunting, species can be endangered and can extinct soon. Government should take strict actions and make an effective security arrangement so no one can hunt species or cut the trees.
NAVERA AARA
Hyderabad
Healthcare disparities
I’m reaching out to express my concerns regarding the state of healthcare infrastructure and accessibility to services, in our country. It’s disheartening to see the disparities that exist in our society when it comes to something essential as healthcare. Despite progress we’ve made there are still millions of our citizens who encounter barriers in obtaining quality healthcare.
Rural areas in particular continue to suffer from a lack of facilities leaving residents at a disadvantage during medical emergencies. The shortage of healthcare professionals in these regions only worsens the issue.
In areas the cost of medical treatment can be exorbitant placing many families, under significant financial strain. This financial burden, combined with insurance coverage often compels individuals to postpone or forego medical care.
We urgently need comprehensive healthcare reforms that prioritize accessibility, affordability and quality. This includes increasing the number of healthcare facilities, recruiting and retaining medical professionals in underserved areas and implementing policies that reduce the financial burden on patients.
It is imperative that we, as a society, come together to demand change. Our healthcare system should be a source of relief, not a cause of distress. Let us work towards a future where every citizen has equal access to the medical services they need, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.
MUHAMMAD FARIS
Karachi
Moroccan earthquake
According to the state TV, so far at least 2,122 people have been killed and 2,421 others sustained injuries in the calamitous earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday, 8 September night.
It is being said, it was the strongest quake to have hit the Moroccan nation in the past 120 years. The Pakistani nation stands by its Moroccan brothers and sisters in this moment of profound grief.
It raises its hands in prayers to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to all those innocent souls who have lost their precious lives in this catastrophe of unparalleled magnitude. It also prays, may the Almighty grant complete and speedy recovery to those who were injured in this devastating earthquake. Aameen
FAZAL ILAHI
Islamabad
Box letter
Rising inflation
I write to express my deep concern over the escalating inflation crisis in Pakistan. The continuous surge in prices of essential commodities has undoubtedly burdened the average citizen, making it imperative for us to address this issue urgently. In recent months, the cost of living has surged to unprecedented levels, eroding the purchasing power of the common man. The inflationary pressure is felt across the board, affecting not only food and fuel prices but also healthcare, education and housing costs. This situation not only pushes families towards financial instability but also undermines the efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth. It is crucial for the government to take immediate and effective measures to curb this inflationary trend. Strengthening monetary policies, ensuring supply chain stability and addressing production bottlenecks should be at the forefront of their strategy. Moreover, transparent communication with the public about the steps being taken can help manage expectations and alleviate panic. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, economists and stakeholders are essential to devise a comprehensive solution. Exploring opportunities for trade and economic partnerships with other nations can also aid in stabilizing prices and diversifying the market.
M MAIRAJ KHAN
Lahore
