LETTER: Subsidies lose their real meanings and effectiveness if they are not targeted. In other words, you don't subsidise the rich - or even filthy rich in some cases - at the cost of the poor or the national exchequer. What is happening in Pakistan for the past several decades is not just right. Usually, a subsidy is a form of financial aid or support that a government extends to an economic sector with the aim of promoting economic and social policy. That is why prime minister Imran Khan has asked his economic team to revisit the existing subsidy system in the country with a view to bringing about a massive improvement in it. According to him, the benefit from the Ehsaas Programme data, should also be taken to provide subsidy to the poor and needy people on electricity and gas as well as from the Utility Stores Corporation (USC).

There has to be equity and efficiency in the return of price subsidies in every sector of economy.

MAHMOOD KHAN (ISLAMABAD)

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020