I CAME across a report recently which states that 86 per cent of Pakistan’s tax revenue is generated from three cities. Of these Karachi generates 55pc, Islamabad 16pc and Lahore 15pc.

It is surprising that Lahore, the second largest city of the country and a major industrial centre, is contributing less than Islamabad. One can only look in despair to the heavens to know how much thriving cities like Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar, Hyderabad, etc are contributing to the exchequer. The state should use an iron hand to bring those who do not pay or pay less than their due into the tax net.

My point: if Karachi is generating more than half of the country’s revenue, shouldn’t it be getting better facilities and a better deal? This city despite all that has happened to it in the last three decades is still the mainstay of Pakistan’s economy.

My request is that bring such administrators and systems in the country where we can utilise all the tax money collected intelligently and honestly. Let us have the pleasure of living in an independent country — our Pakistan.

Dr Hasan Tharani

Karachi

Imran’s speech

THIS refers to your editorial ‘PM’s first speech’ (Aug 19) which says” “Surely, however, Mr Khan has a special responsibility to his many supporters who have carried him from the margins of politics to the very epicentre.”

A very simple, uneducated chowkidar said to me here in Peshawar two very poignant points on hearing of Imran Khan’s success. He said: “it is impossible for Imran to remove gund (dirt) created in the past 70 years; but he is a very determined man. I have seen him achieve what he sets out to do. For instance, the World Cup in cricket, the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospitals in Lahore and Peshawar and now in Karachi and finally his 22 years of political struggle to become prime minister. I wish him all success. May Allah help him in his endeavours. Ameen.’ (I have translated it from Pashto).

But one thing I must make clear to my Pakistani brethren. Imran Khan cannot achieve this single-handedly. The recovery must be a team effort. We all have to make an effort to make Imran succeed, and to do that we all have to make serious efforts to make Pakistan stand on its feet. We have to change our mindset.

Wg-Cdr (r) Sardar Ahmed S. Jan

Peshawar

(2)

THE prime minister’s speech had an element of sincerity. Looking at his expressions, his tone, clarity of speech and the narrative filled with emotions, explaining the vision for ‘Naya Pakistan’, one can believe that he was speaking straight from his heart.

He truly deserves commendation for saying what the common man wants to hear. He has presented himself to the nation for accountability and started taking austerity measures by curtailing his administration’s expenditures and ending aristocratic style of governance.

The way he has summed up the issues the country faces gives us a hope. His vision is derived from Madina-like welfare state which existed in a world that was dominated by Roman and Persian empires. It was finally able to lift itself up under the guidance of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is where he wants to guide our nation.

The list of issues is long and will need a very strong drive and commitment from all institutions of the public and private sector. But he has been extremely good at converting them into specific goals with action plans.

These plans range from improving the current economic situation of the country, eliminating corruption, improving the justice system, education, healthcare, water crisis, good governance, creating jobs, facilitating the youth, improving the environment, boosting tourism, implementing national action plan and foreign policy.

I hope he will be able to deliver. The nation stands with him in his resolve.

Faisal Sajjad

Islamabad

(3)

IMRAN Khan has made promises to the nation. He is perhaps the first prime minister ever in Pakistan’s history who wants little or no protocol. His simplicity motivates every citizen.

Everyone wants a change. We have seen many politicians who had businesses and had vested interests. Imran Khan is a leader who I hope will deliver. I wish him all the best.

Fayaz Hussain Abro

Naudero

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2018