There can be few more coveted items than an official car, and if it is large, armoured and comes with all the trimmings then so much the better. The state does have a duty of care to its functionaries and elected politicians, but that duty does not become a gift in perpetuity. There are many thousands, perhaps millions, which may feel a sense of entitlement and, if they so wish and can afford one or if they can persuade their supporters to stump up the hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy one — then smart armour is theirs for the asking.
The SC also made the timely point it would not allow election campaigns which are the duty of the individual to fund, to be conducted at the expense of the state. There are individuals who are at hazard, and two prominent members of the Bhutto family have bought and fund the running of their own armoured vehicles. Others reportedly do the same. The court had no truck with Maulana Fazlur Rehman who was claiming that as there had been three attempts on his life then his entitlement was magically extended. It must be assumed that as the leader of a party with millions of supporters Maulana Fazlur Rehman may appeal to them for the funds that will underwrite his continued protection.
Most of the official cars have now been returned and the land is littered with deflated egos sobbing in assorted corners. So be it. Come back when you have been elected and your requests may — may — be considered.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 7th, 2018.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ