We are highly encouraged to learn that there is a possibility for the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to revise the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Supplementary Duty (SD) on the usage of the internet, medicine, and restaurants.
Indeed, it was only very recently when this newspaper editorialized that decisions on raising VAT and SD should align with the needs and concerns of the people and that there was a need to engage relevant stakeholders and consider public feedback.
As such, this revision, should it go through as expected, once again is an indicator that the current administration is listening to the people.
While the importance of boosting domestic revenue collection cannot be denied, especially as we must meet the conditions set by multilateral lenders, increasing taxes on crucial sectors which could potentially cause more harm than good was never a viable solution for the current administration.
Instead, displaying such immediate awareness about what the people want is what will ultimately help with restoring public confidence. It tells us that the authorities concerned are attuned to the needs and challenges that the nation is currently facing.
This responsiveness is crucial in building trust between the government and the people, one which has sorely been missing but a component that is critical if we are to continue with our rebuilding efforts. It is only when citizens see their concerns reflected in policy decisions that there can be a sense of partnership and collaboration with the government.
Listening to citizen concerns and acting accordingly is how any government should function. It helps to build a foundation of trust and confidence and is the platform on which a cooperative relationship can be built between the government and its citizens, which should ultimately create a better and more resilient nation.