Back to the IMF

This refers to the letter ‘Tough decisions’ (February 14) by Dr Najeeb A Khan. I was quite disappointed to see that the PTI, which has been a staunch opponent of seeking loans and bailout packages, is likely to receive an IMF bailout package. The glimpse of the IMF’s ‘harsh conditions’ are already in front of us. A welfare state cannot be developed if the government keeps burdening the middle class and the poor. The rich, with their unlimited resources, are not affected by the increase in gas prices or high tax rates. They can easily say that taxing people or increasing prices is essential to increase government revenue. Overseas Pakistanis with their strong currency can ask fellow Pakistanis to bear the hard times, but the reality is the real effects of the hard times will only be felt by the people with less resources.

Hajra Zaidi

Karachi