PAKISTAN POST: This is with refer-ence to the report ‘Pakistan Post set for major overhaul to boost revenue’ (Sept 8) and the letter ‘Pakistan Post must stop falling apart’ (Sept 19). There were some good suggestions, but we tend to overlook a simple problem. In 2023, Pakistan Post reported a deficit of Rs35 billion. No gover-nment department uses Pakistan Post. Instead, services of a private courier company are used for official purposes. I find it hard to believe that all government correspondence is time-sensitive, and, therefore, Pakistan Post cannot be used most of the time. Pakistani people seem to be paying twice, firstly by subsidising Pakistan Post, and, secondly, when government departments use private courier services. I wonder why.

Hasan Raza
Karachi

BLOCKED CAPITAL: Islamabad was a city where everyone, including foreigners, felt safe. Since 2013, however, the situation has changed drastically. Every other day, containers are placed on roads across the capital. While parliamentarians and high-ranking officials continue to move around, the general public suffers, and suffers seriously. The government needs to revise its policies and resolve the concerns of all stakeholders to create a peaceful atmosphere for the residents.

Dr Rafiq ur Rehman Baloch
Islamabad

WAR ON CASH: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is planning a crackdown on tax-evaders by limiting their use of cash for major purchases, such as property and cars. However, the approach largely sidesteps much-needed reforms in the tax system itself which has been described as overly complex and unfair. Many count-ries have successfully increased tax revenues by simplifying their tax systems, reducing rates, and offering incentives. By broadening the tax base and introducing technology to streamline processes, we can boost compliance and keep the system fair and manageable. Pakistan’s heavy reliance on enforcement, without addressing the systemic issues raises doubts about the long-term effectiveness of this approach.

Talal Rafiq Rind
Turbat

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2024