Self-serving politicians

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At a time when the average citizen is struggling to put food on the table, our politicians have once again demonstrated how disconnected they are from the realities of the people they claim to represent. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's approval of a staggering 300% increase in the salaries of parliamentarians is not just tone-deaf - it is outright shameless.

The justification? That lawmakers' salaries should be on a par with those of federal secretaries. But this argument crumbles under scrutiny. Unlike bureaucrats, who at least have the excuse of administrative responsibilities, most parliamentarians barely show up in the assemblies, let alone engage in meaningful legislative work. The National Assembly has been reduced to a battleground of personal attacks and political grandstanding rather than a forum for addressing the country's pressing economic concerns. What makes this move even more galling is the rare unity displayed by both treasury and opposition members in securing this windfall for themselves. At a time when political polarisation is at an all-time high, our elected representatives found common ground in ensuring a fatter paycheck for themselves. Seldom did they show the same urgency in passing legislation that benefits the common man. Public outrage is justified, but history suggests that these politicians are unlikely to care. They have perfected the art of self-preservation, shielding themselves from accountability while ensuring that they remain financially comfortable, no matter how dire the national situation becomes. If the political class had any semblance of integrity, they would have rejected this raise outright and redirected these funds toward public welfare.

This decision must be challenged, and politicians must be reminded that they serve the people, not themselves. If they continue to ignore the hardships of their constituents, they should expect the electorate to return the favour when the time comes.