The recent increase in fuel prices has hit everyone. To address the issue, the government has extended its so-called austerity drive for a month. That, however, is not enough. It’s a temporary arrangement while the nation needs a permanent solution to alleviate its economic miseries.
A complete restructuring of the government and its bureaucracy is needed to remedy the country’s current financial situation. When the country is dependent on foreign loans, do its senior-most bureaucrats deserve to possess three official vehicles each, including a 4900cc vehicle with unlimited fuel supply? Similarly, the salaries, large official residences and travel expenses of the government officials need to be brought within limits, keeping in view the national income. A particular category of officials who hold the balance of justice enjoy huge salaries when serving and fat pensions after retirement. They’re provided security guards even after retirement. Who are they afraid of when they retire, one may ask?
As it is, the private sector cannot afford to bear losses for long; hence, it’s common knowledge that many entrepreneurs have shifted their businesses to more suitable regions outside the country. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have become the centre of attraction for our businesspeople. Many of our textile tycoons have set up their projects in Bangladesh. It’s mind-boggling to realise why Pakistani businessmen dealing in textiles established their industries in Bangladesh when it’s not a cotton-growing country.
Other reasons Pakistani entrepreneurs cite for moving to neighbouring countries include the most unreliable and expensive power supply system here. The government even compelled businesses to buy energy from DISCOs despite the fact they had their own arrangements for power supply. The current power rates make it not possible to run the industry profitably. Sialkot, known as an export-oriented industrial city, was asked to purchase electricity from government-owned DISCOs to keep them operational. Many times, the government decided to dispose of the loss-making DISCOs, but vested interests stood in the way, and the government had to relent. DISCOs are not the only parasites the taxpayers have sustained; many other state-owned enterprises exist to cause billions in losses to the state exchequer.
It is terribly upsetting to realise that we precisely know what’s wrong with our national policies and where we lack, but feel helpless to improve the situation. For instance, do we have an effective plan to address the challenge of population growth? Experts speculate that our population will likely reach 390 million by 2050. And it’s absolutely believable, since cities, towns and villages are expanding at a phenomenal pace. Towns that once appeared far apart from each other are now connected in the shape of contiguous bazars. Is the government raising public awareness about how to control the population?
To make matters worse, at the national level, there is callousness towards education. Reportedly, more than 26 million children are currently out of school. It’s the world’s second-highest number, according to the data provided by Unicef. Is it not alarming for those who consider their future attached to this country? Population explosion and illiteracy are a deadly combination. Sadly, looking at the lack of interest of our rulers in most important areas, it seems as if they live in this country temporarily and have chosen their permanent abode elsewhere.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is a hardworking lady. This is an ideal opportunity for her to address population control and education. She will not only serve the nation but also create a name for herself. Politicians come and go, but those who are remembered for their achievements in the greater national interests are few and far between. Good luck to her.
The writer is a freelance columnist based in Lahore. He can be reached at: [email protected]
