APROPOS the editorial ‘More tax reversals’ (March 20). The prime minister has described tax evaders as ‘enemies of the nation’ and wants the Federal Bureau of Revenue to crack down on them. In another speech at the All Pakistan Chambers President conference the PM asked business leaders to pay taxes diligently and even suggested a new tax authority.

On the other hand, the finance minister has lifted the ban on non-filers to purchase cars of any capacity. In addition, the withholding tax on cash withdrawals by non-filers is also to be withdrawn. Is this not in contradiction with the stance stated by the government, that the source of income be declared?

It seems that the non-filers have used their strong lobbies to have the decision reversed. What facility will non-filers be allowed next? This is strange logic. The loud message that tax evaders and non-filers are getting is; it is business as usual.

On the one hand, we talk of tax culture, an austerity drive and tightening of belts, while on the other the government itself is providing loopholes. Why?

S. Khaled

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2019