The Untouchables

As usual, the government has penalised the industrialists that are desperately trying to run their factories. By increasing the sales tax, withholding tax, tax on electricity bills, salaries and other sources, the authorities have dealt a deathblow to the already sick industrial sector of the economy. At the same time, nothing has been done to ensure that those looting the country are taxed. The smugglers and those that indulge in under-invoicing and mis-declaration of imported goods have not been touched. Neither have the retailers been taxed. Absolutely no steps have been taken to generate employment. Instead of revenue, this budget will generate more thieves, robbers and smugglers. But then, in the words of our prime minister, there are also ‘honourable families’ engaged in hoarding and black-marketing.

SHAKIR LAKHANI
Friday, June 13, 2008