Salaried Employees Overburdened by Taxes
In a letter to the editor, Ameena Arshad from Lahore highlights a fundamental injustice in Pakistan's tax system. Salaried employees have taxes deducted at source, while many traders, wholesalers, and retailers operate with limited documentation and weak accountability.
Retail Sector Contributes Little
Pakistan's retail sector generates trillions of rupees annually yet contributes comparatively little in direct taxes. In contrast, salaried workers shoulder a disproportionate share of the tax burden. According to Arshad, this imbalance reflects not a lack of administrative capacity but a lack of political will.
Global Examples of Fair Taxation
Other countries have adopted effective measures, including digital tax systems and data-driven assessments, to broaden the tax base. Pakistan possesses similar technological capabilities and should ensure that all citizens contribute fairly, regardless of their influence.
Moral and Economic Necessity
A just tax system is not only an economic necessity but also a moral obligation. Equal taxation under the law is essential for restoring public trust and strengthening the country's finances. Arshad calls for a crackdown on tax evasion to achieve fairness.
