LAHORE: I want to shed some light on the mismanagement and cronyism prevalent in Punjab. The whole governance system in the province is by and large being run by those cronies of the provincial government who are not only incompetent but are also well-known for their corruption. It is a fact that corrupt officers are well connected with powerful people and can get their favourite postings and perks through corrupt means, whereas an honest officer will not only be humiliated but will also not be provided even a vehicle for his/her official work.
Every government has to rely on the bureaucracy for the implementation of its plans but it must be noted that the agenda of the bureaucracy, in most cases, is not pro-people. Rather, it believes in the colonial style of administration. People have to waste months in the Punjab secretariat before their files can be moved from one office to another, just to get what is rightfully theirs. There is no system of accountability that could question these ‘desi goras’ for such inordinate delays.
The chief minister of Punjab has failed miserably in bringing in a system of good governance. Just take the example the two big wigs who were illegally allotted houses in the GOR locality even after they had retired, as was reported in the press. Is connection with an MPA/MNA the only way to get what is rightfully yours? Where can you find fairness and good governance in the province? Can anybody answer my questions?
Farooq Bashir Butt
Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2012.
