Good decision

It’s a good decision taken by the government of Pakistan to raise Rs50b in a mini-budget for flood relief because people who are living in the flood-affected areas are going through a harsh time in their lives (“Pakistan government plans to raise Rs50b in mini-budget for flood relief,” Sept.18, Gulf Today website).

According to the report, the federal government is preparing to introduce a mini-budget aimed at raising at least Rs50 billion to support flood victims’ rehabilitation and address a widening tax shortfall. Officials confirmed that new levies on luxury items and cigarettes are under consideration. The proposed mini-budget seeks to impose additional taxes on luxury vehicles, cigarettes, and imported electronic goods. A levy equivalent to the regulatory duty that was reduced in June could also be reinstated on imported products.

I am sure the government of Pakistan will not leave any stone unturned to provide relief to the flood victims in the country and will make sure that the relief should reach the people in need.

Ishfaq Ahmed, By email