Corruptistan?

 Published in the Friday Times

Sir, 

As usual, the government has penalised industrialists who are desperately trying to run their factories. By increasing sales tax; withholding tax; and taxing electricity bills, salaries, and other measures, the authorities have dealt a death blow to the already sick industrial sector of the country. At the same time, nothing has been done to tax those who are looting the country. The smugglers and those who indulge in underinvoicing and misdeclaration of imported goods have not been touched. Neither have retailers been axed. Absolutely no steps have been taken to generate employment. Instead of revenue, this budget will generate more thieves, robbers and smugglers. But then, in the words of the prime minister, these are also "honourable men," like the hoarders and black-marketers. Why not re-name the country "Smuggleristan" or "Corruptistan"?

Shakir Lakhani

Karachi