UNJUST TAXATION: It has been observed that successive governments have failed to increase the tax net; rather they have succumbed to pressure groups that get away with waivers on taxes through political influence or coercive measures, like strikes. On the other hand, the salaried class bears the brunt of tax shortfall by paying tax in advance on a monthly basis on gross receipts, while the businesses pay tax on their residual income, which is left after paying all their expenses. The government must ensure that all sectors pay their due taxes rather than increasing tax on the already suffering salaried persons.

Naveed E.
Karachi

THANKS, ENGLAND: We should be grateful to the English cricket team not just for visiting the country and playing some good cricket, but also for beating us comprehensively in the T20 series, because it has the potential to work as a wakeup call for us. We know our weaknesses, and, hopefully, by the time the World Cup gets underway in Australia, we would be in a better position to face the challenges. The tri-nation series in New Zealand already suggests we have learnt a few lessons.

Dr Moiz ud Din
Karachi

MAN-MADE DISASTER: The government is repeatedly calling the recent floods a ‘climate catastrophe’. While climate change is a reality, what we have seen in Pakistan, especially in Sindh, is nothing but a man-made crisis. Despite early warnings, the government was not properly equipped to handle a tough monsoon season.

Mian Rafiu A. Tunio
Miro Khan

BETTER UTILISATION: One man’s trash is another’s treasure. We should at least donate the possessions that are no longer in our use to the less privileged people instead of throwing them in the garbage. This will help the poor, especially in these tough times. With winter not too far away, we should start going through our woollies so that someone may feel a little more comfortable this winter.

Kaleem Ahmed
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2022