The common man struggles from dawn to dusk and still does not earn enough to lead a prosperous life but even out of that hard earned money he is ready to share a substantial amount with the government in the form of taxes. The common man in Pakistan has every right to refuse to pay tax as he sees it all go down the drain in the form of luxuries for the ruling elite, who do nothing to make their lives easier. But he does not question the tax payment because he is aware of the philosophy of state. In civilized countries this money would be spent for his betterment. The government does not only enjoy the right to receive money but it also has to perform its obligation and fulfill their duties such as providing security, education, transport and many other such facilities to the citizens.
The government and masses enter into a social contract where in a party pays for the services rendered by other party; therefore, the performance of contract is equally binding on both the parties. The very first service the public demands from a state, in lieu of their paying taxes, is security to life, person and property. The constitution of Pakistan 1973 under provisions of fundamental rights from article 8 to 28 also acknowledges this right of security
Though there are different laws about guns in the world we need to be very careful before we give weapons in the hands of ordinary citizens. The provincial health minister Khyber Pakhtun Khwah has requested the doctors to carry guns in order to avoid any mishap. The decision was made, keeping in view the deteriorating law and order situation in the province. Surely this is an open admission that the state machinery has failed to provide its first duty to its citizens! Permission to carry weapons for any purpose raises many questions. Have the law enforcement agencies failed to provide security to the multitude and would it not create anarchy and chaos in the society? How will the government be able to control crime in a city where everyone carries a weapon, or is this only for doctors? So many questions and no answers!
ABUBAKAR BHEEL,
Lahore, November 30.