KARACHI:
While we hear multiple arguments by the government to safeguard the interests of the public, it is utterly disappointing to observe that the government is doing otherwise. The middle class is completely marginalised while the rich is becoming richer. Laws are being made without consultation from the affected group. The government’s oft-repeated claim that it is poor man’s saviour is just a slogan.
The FBR’s decision to raise the withholding tax on bank deposits from 10% to 15% is difficult to swallow, for businessmen in particular, in this ever-changing inflation-induced economy. While the decision had been made last year, it was not duly enforced until the start of the current fiscal year. To add to the misery, the FBR is asking taxpayers to pay a retrospective tax of 5% from last year that had not been paid. One has not to be a genius to comprehend a simple fact that it is the middle class that indirectly affects the poor man. Businesses belonging to the middle class are far greater in number than those associated with the upper class. And, these businesses employ a far greater workforce than any other group.
Exerting undue pressure on the already struggling middle class has made it difficult for them to make ends meet. Therefore, it is respectfully requested of the government that the increase of 5% taxes is curtailed and the taxes previously imposed is not demanded of people belonging to the already hard-up middle class.
Madni
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th, 2020.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
