Zarmeena Asmat & Shafee Ullah
Asad Umar, Federal Minister for finance in PTI government, recently presented the mini budget (2018-19) in National Assembly which got mixed reviews. It highlighted the protection of poor and how the burden of taxes will be put on those who earn more. The stated aim of budget is to raise the exports, support agriculture, create jobs and improve foreign exchange. Government has also started Sehat ka Insaf Program for FATA, increased pensions by 10pc, imposed higher tax on tobacco products, augmented import duty on luxury products. But people reacted to mini budget as the government had increased taxes on their basic needs (milk, floor, seeds, rice etc.). This severely increased the burden on poor. People are of the opinion that elite class can easily buy all the things and they have no issue with the budget or higher taxes in it. General public has very high expectations from the government of PTI, so their reaction is understandable. Government should apply taxes on luxury items, not on basic needs of individuals. If the price of the product is low, sales will increase, and thus more revenue will be generated.
Recently, new government also started E-Challan system in Punjab’s capital, Lahore. It is for public safety. The public should follow the traffic rules. The violators will receive the E-Challans at their addresses registered against their vehicle IDs and the requirement of helmet is also for the safety of public to save them from any head injury in case of accidents. But on the other hand, the challan fine is 1000 rupees for bikers and 2500 for the rickshaw drivers on which people reacted violently. It is due to the fact that, some people cannot afford the fine and some people do not have their own rickshaws. They are on daily wages so how they can pay 2500 rupees of challan. This is another example of good intentions marred by poor execution.
Besides E-Challan, Imran Khan set a new example by refusing to live in Prime Minister House. He refused all the luxuries that are given to the prime minister. It is a very good step that is taken by Imran khan and public vehemently appreciated Mr. Khan for this step. By staying out of the Prime Minister House government will save 1.85 billion rupees annually. This step gave a positive message to the masses that the PM of Pakistan is not going to waste public money on luxury life style. Imran khan also instructs “No protocol” for federal or provincial ministers. Federal and provincial ministers are also instructed to not live in governor houses and don’t use protocol. Another good thing is the auction of luxury vehicles of Prime Minister House. 61 cars sold so far. New prime minister said that there is no need of such luxury cars for the prime minister. The public is very happy by this decision of government because due to protocol roads got blocked and public faced difficulties.
Under PTI government, our foreign policy is getting better as compared to past administrations. Recently, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan addressed the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) and argued that India was exporting terrorism to Pakistan and he also talked about Kulbhushan Jadhav as an example of India cross-border terrorism in neighboring countries. The people of Pakistan really appreciated the way FM Qureshi presented this vision of Pakistan.
Economy is also showing signs of recovery. Continued growth in imports of goods driven by demands for capital goods under the China-Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC) project, higher fuel prices and robust household consumption will prevent a significant narrowing of the current account deficit. Although goods exports have picked up since the start of 2018 growing around 10-15% year-on-year in US dollar terms, they only amount to half the level of goods imports. Government had to resort to IMF bailout, but it was inevitable. Real success of PTI government will be to make sure that no subsequent bailout is needed by governments in future.
These are all signs that ‘Naya’ Pakistan is not a utopia but gradually turning into reality. PTI gained majority vote merely because it promised change and good change. The public supported it and given it mandate to rule for five years. It gives one hope that Imran Khan led PTI government is not merely swinging in the dark but has a viable plan to turn things around. Meanwhile, all relevant stakeholder be it opposition, media or civil society should play their due role and offer constructive criticism. After all, Pakistan is for all of us and we all are responsible for making it anew.
1 Comment