Instead of PPP giving relief to the poor, the Chief Justice is trying to help them.
Since March 2008, PPP has not done any thing other than establishing a Benazir Fund, to change the direction of economic policies which were followed by Musharraf.
Whats the point of having democracy when no benefits occur to the deprived classes. Why should people wait for democratic governments?
What PPP could have done since coming to power:
–PPP with the help of ANP and MQM should have implemented the 1977 Land Reform passed by the Parliament.
–All taxes taken indirectly from people like the PDL, 17% Excise duty on electricity, gas and telephone, Rs 25 Custom plus other taxes on edible oil and other such items could have been withdrawn to give immediate relief to the people.
To cover the loss in income, salaries and benefits of all government employees may have been reduced.They have increased 400% during the last 4 years and thus at even at half they will up 200% or 50% annually. While the poor have been crushed with more than 60% inflation during the same period.
–To tax the rich, 40% Inheritance Tax could have been imposed and Wealth Tax revived at 2% above Rs 4 crore.
–Besides the whole Tax collection system may be tendered out. I estimate that it will be taken up at Rs 4 trillion against current collection of Rs 1.1 trillion.
–To make Army self financed, all Army barracks and offices in Urban Areas may be auctioned out and all installations shifted to remote areas. I estimate it will bring in Rs 50 trillion.
–Out which, Rs 10 trillion should be enough to make state of the art defence facilities while Rs 40 trillion invested at 10% should bring in Rs 400 billion annually for running expenditure of the army.
Tarique Khan Javed
President,
Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum (OPIF)
0300-923-2476
www.tariquekj.com
