KARACHI, PAKISTAN:
Mohammad Ali Jinnah was a man of taste, yet when he became the head of state, he adopted austerity, which was followed by his family as well. He set the perfect example for the country’s future leaders. But, today, we see several palatial houses spread over acres constructed mostly on farmland. The national exchequer bears the cost of the maintenance and security of these houses. A former prime minister chose to live in his personal house in Islamabad and used a helicopter daily to go to the Prime Minister Office. The elected and paid elite live in gated communities, which is a legacy of the British Raj.
The British government does not provide such luxuries to any civil servant or elected leaders. This abuse was confined strictly to the colonies, which it once exploited for its benefits. Unfortunately, even after seven decades, this abuse continues in Pakistan and has aggravated to an extreme. Tax exemptions and other privileges for the elite have become a norm while the masses continue to struggle to put two square meals on their tables.
Clearly, our political leaders have forgotten Jinnah’s example and his message to the nation. The country will never come out of this economic quagmire until and unless there are no conflicts of interest, and austerity measures are adopted at the very top. Our leaders must look beyond their interests and adopt Jinnah’s model to lead the country.
Malik Tariq Ali
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th, 2023.
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