The government is extracting the bulk of each individual’s hard-earned money in these times of inflation
LAHORE: Pakistan is an important democratic country on the world map. Democracy is defined as a form of government where rulers are chosen by citizens themselves. It is a government in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly, through a system of representation — usually periodically, held through elections.
Now, the question arises whether Pakistan is a democratic state or not in the true spirit. The notion of democracy is linked with the word ‘people’ — a government by the people and a government for the people. The Pakistani democratic government is made by its people but it is not for its people. Recently, this so-called democratic government introduced a new trend among its people, colloquially termed bloodsucking. Here, I refer to the taxation system by the Government of Pakistan.
Tax is being imposed on each and everything by the current democratic government of Pakistan. Whether rich or poor, everybody has to pay taxes with little consideration paid to their socioeconomic statuses. Tax is applied on each and everything, ranging from people’s livelihoods, however modest they be to utilities such as electricity and water to property, mobile phone, and food.
A significant portion of income of every individual, rich or poor, is currently going towards taxes imposed by the so-called democratic Government of Pakistan. The government is extracting the bulk of each individual’s hard-earned money in these times of inflation.
Hira Habib
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2016.
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