Strong arm of the law

Revenue officials who feel weighed under by the pressures of tracking down errant taxpayers might spare a thought for their peers in Pakistan.

Just 1.8 million of Pakistan's 135 million population pay any tax. Attempts by the government to force shopkeepers to reveal their hidden income and accept a retail sales tax sparked a two-week strike.

Now wealthy farmers, many of whom still run their business under a feudal system, are being targeted and will have to pay tax for the first time this year.

Like our own politicians, Pakistan's government has warned it will enforce the new tax regime despite widespread opposition in a country where tax evasion has become a national pastime.

The Margin thinks its chances of success might be somewhat higher, given that the country is ruled by the military following a coup last October.