Amid this sea of selfish public servants, it seems that there is no one who is genuinely concerned about Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: We live in a society where there is discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, religion, sect, tribe and social status, among others. Justice, equity, economic fair play, inclusiveness and accountability at times appear to be alien concepts in this state and society. The poor, deprived and destitute are treated as children of a lesser god and they are not given importance on any agenda by our self-serving rulers and the octopus-like bureaucracy. Successive federal and provincial governments have done little to alleviate poverty in the country.
Regrettably, at all levels and in all places, public resources are used for private purposes. There is misuse of everything, including official vehicles and fuel. The tax rate is very high but the tax base is very weak in this country. Only the poor and salaried class pay taxes. The ruling elite or the bureaucracy contributes little. Public finance or the tax revenue is not always used for the welfare of the common people. Taxpayers’ money is used to feed the pomp and glory of the ruling elite and our retired bureaucrats and technocrats are seen to lead a life of luxury, despite doing little in terms of serving the country.
It is tragic that very little is being done by the public-sector organisations to alleviate the misery of the millions of people of this country. The state and society are experiencing turbulent times, but who cares in this country? Amid this sea of selfish public servants, it seems that there is no one who is genuinely concerned about the welfare of the state of Pakistan.
Hashim Abro
Published in The Express Tribune, April 28th, 2015.
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