MYSTERIOUS CLAIMS: This is with reference to the report “PTI ‘rues’ Bushra’s remarks at critical juncture” (Nov 22). One would like to know whether the foreign first called the former army chief and then gave gifts to the former prime minister and his wife, or whether the gifts were given before the telephone call. Furthermore, why did the couple not return the gifts to the foreign dignitaries once the call was made? And, why did they continue receiving gifts on subsequent visits?

Shakir Lakhani
Karachi

TAX-EVADERS: THE Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reportedly sealed five prominent restaurants in Islamabad for churning out fake invoices. Indeed, most traders, restaurants, shopkeepers and professionals across Pakistan do not provide genuine invoices to their cust-omers. Many businesses avoid issuing any invoice at all. The government should take strict action against such professionals and businesses. Plugging of tax evasion and tax avoidance could lead to a highly prosperous Pakistan. We would not depend on lending insti-tutions to bail us out in times of trouble. Only persistence, tenacity and strong will are needed for an economic turnaround.

Dr Najeeb A. Khan
Islamabad

FLYING COACHES: Passengers from Swabi traveling via public transport to any destination, especially to Peshawar and Rawalpindi, are, unfortunately, at the mercy of coach drivers. As such, despite the seat capacity as well as clear direction from traffic authorities to on-board only three passengers per seat in the flying coach (Hiace) van, the drivers forcefully on-board four passengers per seat without making any concession in the fair price. The practice has been a cause of anxiety and frustration for the passengers. The tragedy is that these flying coaches commute via the M1 motorway, but even the motorway police do not bother to stop and fine these drivers. The authorities concerned should do something and end the practice.

Waseem Abbas
Swabi

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2024