JUST when one thought things could not get any worse, one was left baffled with the decision to impose a ‘radio tax’. This is as bizarre as it is unfair. With technology having evolved exponentially, radio is no more relevant. And yet the government has opted for a universal imposition of the tax. Why? Apparently, it is just another way for the government to raise revenue as it gropes in the dark to resolve economic issues.

The imposition of the radio tax displays a lack of understanding of the current needs and preferences of the public, and puts the government in a real bad light. It targets the masses, unfairly penalising the whole nation. Those who do not listen to the radio and do not even own one, will have to pay for services that they do not use.

The government’s strange decision appears to be contradictory to the principles of a free and democratic society. Taxation should ideally be utilised for the collective welfare and development of the nation, rather than burdening citizens with an obsolete charge. Instead of encouraging and investing in modern forms of communication and information dissemination, this tax stifles progress and innovation.

The government should reconsider the implementation of this new tax, and focus on more progressive policies that promote the use of modern technologies to connect and engage with the public effectively.

Akmal Bhatti
Faisalabad

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2023