PETROLEUM LEVY: The continued use of the petroleum development levy (PDL) system to meet revenue goals marks a major flaw in the national economic strategy. While short-term budget deficits may be controlled, indirect energy taxes will put undue pressure on fixed income earners as well as fuel cost-based push inflation. Any increase in fuel price increases transport costs, raises the prices of basic food items, and reduces the purchasing power of consumers. The government should focus on structural reforms, widening the base of direct taxes, and controlling state spending rather than putting pressure on domestic consumers.
Esha-Tur-Razia
Islamabad
SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS: I visited the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) centre in Landhi recently to have the permanent address on my CNIC changed. I presented all the required documents, but the staff refused to process my application because of my previous address being in Mohmand district, a part of erstwhile Fata, arguing that processing such applications could “create problems for them”. The staff also demanded documents not required under any policy, like a police verification certificate for tenancy, the house-owner’s CNIC address change first, and multiple witnesses. Only after I cited the Nadra Ordinance did they reluctantly proceed. Being treated as a second-class citizen simply because I hail from a merged tribal district is deeply hurtful and unacceptable.
Muhammad Zeeshan Khan
Karachi
FEARLESS MONSTERS: A boy from a middle-class family and his friends robbed a delivery rider recently and shot him in the leg. The police caught two suspects, but, shockingly, released them under mysterious circumstances. If the state cannot enforce accountability when dealing with high-profile elite due to several reasons, it must try to ensure strict equality at the grassroots level. Start small. If we cannot control the powerful, we must at least stop neighbourhood criminals from becoming fearless monsters.
Ridda Hassan
Islamabad
Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2026
