KARACHI:
The Pakistani government has repeatedly claimed that it does not have the funds to run the country because of which it has raised utility costs and taxes for the common citizens. The public has been forced to bear these costs amid high inflation. The government also promised austerity measures within the government institutions and departments.
Yet the public continues to see different provincial and federal ministers going on international trips for non-essential events with full protocol. In the last few months, the government has spent millions of rupees to curb opposition protests and demonstrations. PDM parties have also continued to carry out political processions.
If anything, the government’s heavy expenditure on foreign trips and other unnecessary things signals that it is not serious about austerity or even restoring normalcy in the country. It only appears to be interested in hurting its political opponents. Unfortunately, the Pakistani people are helpless in stopping the government’s illogical behaviour. The government needs to realise the damage it is causing to the country and its people and work towards a logical solution.
Shahryar Khan
Peshawar
Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2023.
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