If you have not filed tax returns in Pakistan, say for five years, you cannot represent the people.
KARACHI: This is with reference to Saad Hafiz’s article “Pakistan and its massive tax problem” (June 7). According to the writer: “In Pakistan, an arguably perverse view of this American proclamation has been in vogue for some time now: “No taxation with representation”.
The solution might be to ensure that there is: “No representation without taxation”.
In other words, if you have not filed tax returns in Pakistan, say for five years, you cannot represent the people. This, in a roundabout way, is what the dual nationality bar to representation seeks to bring about. But there are moves afoot by these non-taxpaying representatives to pass a constitutional amendment to allow this state of affairs to continue. We must not allow it to happen.
Arshad Zaman
Published In The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2012.
