THIS is with reference to the letter by Aamir Aqil (Oct 14). The writer’s arguments are extremely cogent, logical and valid. The GDP of the country for 2012 is estimated at $240 billion.

Sector-wise, agriculture contributes 21.2 per cent whereas industry and services add 25.4per cent and 53.4per cent, respectively, to the total. A million dollar question is why agriculture is treated as a holy cow. Is it due to the fact that big landowners enjoy unrestricted access to the corridors of power and they and their surrogates are comfortably ensconced in parliament?

Another point that comes to mind is the fact there is a large class of professionals who literally make a small fortune on a daily basis. However, tax paid by them is a mere pittance. Everyone in the country, including the FBR, is aware of the fact that most industries maintain two sets of books.

One meant for tax authorities and the second for private consumption. Why is this practice allowed to flourish unchecked?

Last but not least, a few years back a house-to-house survey was conducted and details were sought about automobiles owned, utility and club bills paid, expenses on foreign trips and education of children abroad.

The reason why this exercise was quietly stopped is quite obvious. It would have laid bare the skeletons in a very large number of cupboards. In this country it is only the weak and helpless who suffer the rap. The high and mighty are above the law. As long as this mentality exists, nothing is going to change.

HILAL AHMED Karachi