Spending poor taxpayers’ money in this manner goes against a democratically-elected government
JHELUM: According to a February 5 press report, the government of Punjab has allocated Rs300 million for a 3D cinema in Murree. This falls in the category of import-based super luxury entertainment. Spending poor taxpayers’ money in this manner goes against a democratically-elected government, which seems to be oblivious to the sufferings of those who generate taxes — particularly those living a life deprived of basic facilities.
The Punjab chief minister should take notice of the elitist mindset of his advisers before it is too late. Of course, it is the selfishness or incompetence of Punjab parliamentarians, who do not try to solve problems of their voters and do not object to the concentration of state-of-the-art facilities in a few cities only. Sadly enough, the voters are also seen to be complacent. They are now more or less inured to this VIP system of governance that they simply forget to protest against it.
Our leaders must realise that people of all cities of Pakistan deserve the services of the government. Every person living within the geography of Pakistan has due right to the resources of the state. Favouring a certain vote bank, in a certain area, does not get a national government very far in a democractic set-up. These so-called parliamentarians need to pay heed to this fact.
M Akram Niazi
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2015.
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