Is it possible that our beloved president announce cuts in their own pay and perks?
LAHORE: Within 48 hours of taking over the reins of the French presidency, Francoise Hollande announced a 30 per cent reduction in the salaries of the president, the prime minister and all ministers. He said that this was a “symbolic gesture” to show the people of France that the new government was serious on this matter. Considering that France is a very rich country and that Pakistan is not, one can only wonder what it would take for the latter’s government to institute a similar measure.
Is it possible that our beloved president, who was elected with an overwhelming majority by the assemblies, and our patriotic prime minister, unanimously elected by parliament, announce cuts in their own pay and perks? And that they do it not only for the federal cabinet but for all senior state functionaries, including members of the civil and military bureaucracy?
After all, the PPP has always claimed that it’s the only political party in the country, which cares about the welfare of the poor. It’s time that it actually came good on its many pledges.
Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
Published in The Express Tribune, May 20th, 2012.
