❖ A Self-Reliant Woman's Ordeal at the Tax Office ❖
One morning, a conscious and self-reliant woman, determined to uphold the values of equality and independence,
completed all household chores on her own and set out with full resolve—echoing the empowering slogan:
"File your own tax!"
She headed confidently to the Excise and Taxation Department.
Upon arrival, she was immediately confronted with chaotic parking conditions and the rude behavior of the public.
Cars were parked haphazardly, prompting her to think bitterly that a nation this undisciplined deserves to pay parking fines at every step.
She eventually found a parking spot, but a wave of frustration surged through her mind over the sheer disorderliness.
As she approached the building, she noticed that the structure was surrounded by iron grills and barbed wire, resembling a military checkpoint more than a public office.
To enter, she had to force her way through a crowd—no easy task.
At one point, she considered taking a shortcut, but was promptly stopped by the guard at the gate and told to stand in line.
Despite the sweltering heat and suffocating humidity, she remained firm—motivated by her belief in standing shoulder to shoulder with men.
After enduring the long queue, she finally entered the building—only to be greeted by further chaos.
Everywhere, there were complaints, laughter, political banter, economic discussions, and household stories.
The heat, noise, and sweat became overwhelming.
She couldn’t help but think:
“If only we could import not just the systems but also the temperament of developed nations, I would gladly bring Europe's clean, orderly air to Pakistan.”
Just as she was beginning to feel defeated, a staff member directed her to the women-only counter.
There, a sense of calm and organization prevailed.
Soon, her turn came, and within minutes, her tax was paid and the receipt was in hand.
As she exited the building, having benefitted from the dedicated women’s counter, the crowd of sweat-soaked men and women no longer seemed foreign or frustrating.
A sense of belonging and empathy had emerged.
Sitting in her car, a phrase naturally escaped her lips:
“They are us.”
❖ The Experience of a Conscious and Independent Woman
One morning, a conscious and self-reliant woman, determined to uphold the values of equality and independence,
completed all household chores on her own and set out with full resolve—echoing the empowering slogan:
"File your own tax!"
She headed confidently to the Excise and Taxation Department.
❖ Chaos Outside: Disorganization and Public Misconduct
Upon arrival, she was immediately confronted with chaotic parking conditions and the rude behavior of the public.
Cars were parked haphazardly, prompting her to think bitterly that a nation this undisciplined deserves to pay parking fines at every step.
She eventually found a parking spot, but a wave of frustration surged through her mind over the sheer disorderliness.
❖ The Struggle to Enter the Office
As she approached the building, she noticed that the structure was surrounded by iron grills and barbed wire, resembling a military checkpoint more than a public office.
To enter, she had to force her way through a crowd—no easy task.
At one point, she considered taking a shortcut, but was promptly stopped by the guard at the gate and told to stand in line.
Despite the sweltering heat and suffocating humidity, she remained firm—motivated by her belief in standing shoulder to shoulder with men.
❖ Disarray Inside: Time Wasted and System Dysfunction
After enduring the long queue, she finally entered the building—only to be greeted by further chaos.
- No reception
- No clear instructions
- Crowds haphazardly scattered in front of various counters
Everywhere, there were complaints, laughter, political banter, economic discussions, and household stories.
The heat, noise, and sweat became overwhelming.
She couldn’t help but think:
“If only we could import not just the systems but also the temperament of developed nations, I would gladly bring Europe's clean, orderly air to Pakistan.”
❖ Relief at the Women’s Counter
Just as she was beginning to feel defeated, a staff member directed her to the women-only counter.
There, a sense of calm and organization prevailed.
- The room was air-conditioned
- Women of various ages waited patiently
- Some were in full hijab, others in Western attire
- Outside, men were respectfully assisting their female relatives, which felt pleasantly reassuring
Soon, her turn came, and within minutes, her tax was paid and the receipt was in hand.
❖ A Renewed Sense of Connection
As she exited the building, having benefitted from the dedicated women’s counter, the crowd of sweat-soaked men and women no longer seemed foreign or frustrating.
A sense of belonging and empathy had emerged.
Sitting in her car, a phrase naturally escaped her lips:
“They are us.”
