MNAs should set an example and take the first step: their remunerations must be cut down.
LAHORE: With reference to your editorial “Rapidly rising debt” (November 8), it must be noted that the annual cost of one MNA in terms of the salary he/she is paid, and the other perks and benefits of serving in parliament, runs into millions of rupees. This is the estimated cost to the taxpayer, which is way too much. MNAs should set an example and take the first step: their remunerations must be cut down. Usage of electricity in private government offices should cost the taxpayer a fixed amount, with the excess deducted from the occupant’s salary. Each official should be restricted to one car to take him to office and back. The official’s children should not be allowed to use officially provided cars.
Wastage of taxpayers’ money is clearly visible. Who is going to cut it? The finance minister. But will he do it? Any bets as to whether he will or not? I say ten to one, he will not. Does his performance on merit justify his staying on as finance minister? Let him answer this question. Does he have plans to get us out of the mess he is responsible for creating? If he does have plans, may we see them? I demand a clear response. Will I get one? No. I think my demand will be ignored.
Parvez Amin
Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2013.
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