Phantom charges

When a citizen visits a bakery, food outlet, or similar establishment where a point-of-sale (POS) invoice is supposed to be provided, it is often not given unless the customer specifically asks for it. When there is an option to pay by card or cash, I prefer to pay by card as it saves me 11 per cent GST compared to paying in cash. Some people, however, do not even bother to check the invoice and pay in cash. These businesses are acting dishonestly. By not printing the POS invoice, they not only overcharge customers by 11 per cent, but they also pocket the GST amount that should otherwise go to the government.

The finance ministry and FBR should issue instructions requiring payments to be made exclusively by card at food outlets that are part of a chain or have a floor area greater than 400 square feet. This measure will enable the FBR to collect more revenue and provide some relief to hard-pressed citizens.

Syed Hussein El-Edroos

Islamabad