The recent crackdown on tax evaders has once again pointed fingers at the usual suspects. Industrial entities, factory and mill owners, wholesalers, property dealers, and traders have been identified as primary culprits. This déjà vu moment underscores a troubling pattern of tax evasion that has plagued the nation for years. However, what sets this effort apart is the absence of retailers from the list, a notorious group when it comes to dodging taxes.

As we move forward with this initiative, it is essential to recognize that the real test lies ahead. The current caretaker administration, with its non-political nature, holds a unique advantage that elected governments seldom enjoy. Unlike their politically connected counterparts, who escape the tax net by contributing generously to political party election campaigns, these caretakers have no such motivations or obligations. This could make it easier for them to enforce the law against long-standing tax evaders.

Street unrest has been relatively subdued thus far, primarily due to the lack of viable alternatives. However, the government’s inability to provide relief, coupled with escalating bills, leaves law-abiding taxpayers increasingly disheartened as they bear the burden of those with greater influence and connections. Furthermore, as the groundwork nears completion, and most tax evaders have been identified, it is imperative that the government provides a clear timeline for the next phases. The last thing the people need is for this crucial corrective effort to stall, as has happened far too often.

The caretaker administration’s limited tenure adds an element of urgency. Should substantial progress not be made, there is a real risk that the post-election government could dismantle the entire initiative. This situation is all too familiar, having occurred numerous times in the past. It is worth noting that the latest list overlooks a notorious group in the tax evasion game: retailers.

The true litmus test for the government’s claims lies in the next phase of this endeavor. The caretaker administration’s non-political stance offers a unique advantage not typically available to elected governments. Unlike their politically connected counterparts, who escape the tax net by greasing the wheels of political party election campaigns, these caretakers have no such ambitions or obligations. Consequently, they may find it easier to enforce the law against long-standing tax evaders.

Up until now, this approach and the lack of viable alternatives have kept street unrest at bay. However, how long can this last? The government’s inability to provide relief, coupled with escalating bills, leaves law-abiding taxpayers particularly disgruntled as they bear the burden of those who are more influential and well-connected.

Furthermore, since the groundwork is nearly complete, with most evaders identified, the government must provide a clear timeline for the next steps. The last thing people want is for this corrective effort to stall, as has happened in the past.

The caretaker administration’s limited tenure adds urgency to the situation. If substantial progress is not made, the post-election government may undo the entire initiative. Time is of the essence, not only to collect long-overdue taxes from evaders but also to enable the government to return to the International Monetary Fund and request a fair revision of the more stringent “upfront conditions” while negotiating a more favorable follow-up program.

The establishment’s repeated commitment to supporting the government in its efforts could be a significant game-changer in this endeavor. It is crucial to understand that the success of this initiative would not only benefit the economy and deter a potential uprising but also rectify a grave injustice.

It is profoundly unfair that those elected to power by ordinary citizens exploit their trust by shielding the dishonest and penalizing the honest. This unjust status quo persisted until the most vulnerable segments of society were financially drained and took to the streets in unprecedented numbers. This is undoubtedly the country’s last opportunity to rectify its course. Regrettably, the state is now compelled to act not out of moral obligation but because it can no longer justify allowing the circus to persist. With the fifth-largest population in the world, grappling with soaring inflation and unemployment, the nation is yearning for a miracle.

There should be no doubt that if this miracle is not delivered, the country could face an unprecedented implosion. The convergence of the establishment and the government to confront this issue offers hope, as such a united effort has rarely been seen before. It is high time that the country’s honest taxpayers receive the justice they deserve, while dishonest tax evaders face the consequences they have long avoided.

In conclusion, the clock is ticking, and this endeavor represents the nation’s last chance to right a long-standing wrong. The state’s current scramble is not driven by moral conviction but rather by the exhaustion of excuses to allow the status quo to persist. With the fifth-largest population in the world, grappling with spiraling inflation and rampant unemployment, the country is on the brink, hoping for a miracle.

There should be no doubt that if this miracle is not delivered, the nation may face an unprecedented implosion. The unity of purpose demonstrated by the establishment and the government in confronting this issue offers a glimmer of hope. Such a concerted effort has been a rare sight in the nation’s history. It is high time that the honest taxpayers of this country receive the justice they have long deserved, while dishonest tax evaders face the consequences they have cunningly eluded. The battle against tax evasion is not merely an economic one; it is a moral imperative to restore faith in the system and ensure that the burden is borne by those who have evaded their responsibilities for far too long.