Money laundering, smuggling of currency, weapons and tax evasion are considered serious crimes in countries where there is rule of law, yet in the federal capital of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Ayyan, a model, was given privileges to use VVIP lounge where she was caught smuggling more than half a million dollars. Since when do models, mistresses, relatives and friends of elite are entitled to VVIP protocol and use of departure or arrival lounge? It was in Islamabad from where hundreds of prostitutes from Eastern Europe managed to enter country without any documentation, and yet this crime was hushed up. Criminals from South Africa have frequently entered and exited Karachi without any documentation. No wonder Pakistan is considered a haven for criminals and terrorists.
If Ayyan had been caught in USA, she would be behind bars, facing numerous charges carrying long prison sentences, the money confiscated because of false declaration and she would have to explain the source of her income and taxes paid. Tax evasion in any developed or underdeveloped country is considered a crime against state, more heinous than murder. No wonder drug smugglers and criminals have in the recent past spent crores to get elected in Senate, because this buys them immunity from laws and facilitates them in nefarious illegal activities which is their livelihood.
ALI MALIK TARIQ
Lahore
