Apropos Dawn’s apt editorial ‘Cut in NSS rate’ (Nov 7), which pointed out how this was a crucial issue affecting senior citizens, pensioners and widows. Whilst appreciating the government’s predicament to increase revenue, this minuscule collection, particularly from Behbood investors will bring untold misery to senior citizens.

The Behbood scheme was considered as a ‘social security’ net by the government. For this reason Behbood was exempt from withholding tax (WHT). Recently vide a notification it has been subjected to WHT. Even this was a serious blow to senior citizens and now the rates have been considerably slashed.

I strongly urge the government to review this draconian decision and exempt Behbood investors from the WHT and the cut in NSS rates.

We are too old to be able to demonstrate as some section of society do for their grievances and succeed in some cases.

Shahid Afzal
Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2019