Shaukat Tarin on television
CAIRO:
This is with reference to Meekal Ahmed’s article “Shaukat Tarin on television” (June 28). Tarin was Pakistan’s finance minister for a very short time. In his brief spell in office, he did a number of things for which the country should be indebted to him. His prime accomplishment was bringing the National Finance Commission award to an amicable conclusion at a time when there were countless divisions between Pakistan’s four provinces.
The writer's implicit criticism of the man is without any basis. Tarin served his country well and guarded its interests by not giving in to institutions that support unbridled capitalism like the IMF. Unlike an unprincipled government bureaucrat — who would serve any regime to hold unto office eternally — he had the courage to resign when he found that his policies could not be implemented. In addition, one should also give him high marks for not bashing up the government on TV after leaving office.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2010.
This is with reference to Meekal Ahmed’s article “Shaukat Tarin on television” (June 28). Tarin was Pakistan’s finance minister for a very short time. In his brief spell in office, he did a number of things for which the country should be indebted to him. His prime accomplishment was bringing the National Finance Commission award to an amicable conclusion at a time when there were countless divisions between Pakistan’s four provinces.
The writer's implicit criticism of the man is without any basis. Tarin served his country well and guarded its interests by not giving in to institutions that support unbridled capitalism like the IMF. Unlike an unprincipled government bureaucrat — who would serve any regime to hold unto office eternally — he had the courage to resign when he found that his policies could not be implemented. In addition, one should also give him high marks for not bashing up the government on TV after leaving office.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2010.