RICH PENSIONERS: This may not be a popular sentiment, but I do wish to suggest that pensions should be subjected to the same withholding tax (WHT) that is applicable to a salaried person with a monthly income of over Rs50,000. Is it not unfair and unjust to recover tax from a salaried person — who has to spend on his daily commute, lunch and attire — but not from a retired government officer getting pension worth 10 times that much and having nothing to worry about? Some of them are paid pension in foreign currency as they live abroad. If the government wants to balance its ways and means, it should treat the pensioners at par with the salaried citizens.
Akhtar Ali Khan
Karachi
LET US HAVE REFERENDUM: The 18th Amendment has made the creation of new provinces next to impossible, especially in Sindh, due to the numerical strength of the ruling party in the provincial assembly. Article 48(6) of the Constitution gives the federal government the power to hold a referendum “on any matter of national importance by referring the matter for the approval of a joint sitting of parliament”. The option appears to be the best solution in the present political scenario. The draft of the question may be prepared by an impartial panel of jurists.
Malik ul Quddoos
Karachi
LOST GLORY OF ISLAMABAD: Islamabad is losing its glory rapidly due to three major problems. The state of traffic in the city, particularly during school pick-up and drop-off times, has become ghastly. This not only creates frustration, but also contributes to poor air quality. The construction of a cricket stadium at the foothills of Margalla in D-12 is unnecessary because residents do not want a stadium anywhere in the capital. Littering and poor garbage collection is another nuisance. The authorities and civil agencies should implement stricter rules for littering, and initiate cleanliness drives. I am sure if cleanliness drives are initiated, a lot of residents will be willing to volunteer.
Amatuz Zahra Rizvi
Islamabad
Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2026
