Ludicrous spending culture reflects an elitist mindset which involves public display of false sense of grandeur.
LAHORE: I would like to express my opinion about Uzma Khan’s article titled ‘Can deer be served for lunch?’ published in The Express Tribune on August 27.
Keeping in mind the author’s perspective on the conservation of wild life in Pakistan, a few questions arise: are our leaders willing to sacrifice their luxurious lifestyle? Is Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif capable of being a role model for simple living? Can poor Pakistani taxpayers afford their rulers’ extravagance? What exactly justifies the lavish menu (containing 70 dishes, including deer meat and 28 desserts) for Mr Zardari on his recent visit to Jati Umra?
During her philanthropic visit to Pakistan in 2010 to aid flood victims, UN Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie was taken aback by the ostentatious interior of the PM house in Islamabad and overly lavish meals along with expensive gifts being presented to her. She put us to shame in her post-visit report when she recommended that the UN should request the Pakistani government to cut back on its luxurious lifestyle whilst it holds a begging-bowl to ask for aid from the world.
If Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sincerely believes in the practice of austerity, he should give up his appetite for multi-course meals, at least in his own home. Residences of government officials should be declared ‘one-dish zones’; only minor additions should be permitted in the case of large functions for visiting foreign dignitaries.
Will Mr Sharif’s government take practical austerity measures to reduce state expenditure?
Such a ludicrous spending culture reflects an elitist mindset which involves public display of a false sense of grandeur and political might. Hopefully, Mr Sharif will not repeat this blunder again. Politicians have little choice but to tighten their belts real hard before expecting more sacrifices from poor Pakistanis who are already crushed heavily under the weight of poverty, unemployment and hunger.
Salma Tahir
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2014.
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