‘Politics is the dirtiest game on earth’ is my firm view which I have already expressed in my earlier letters. Glimpses of the same will be visible in the campaign launched by the politicians to divide the country in parts under the theme of creating new provinces. There is no denying the fact that politicians generally work for personal gains like self-elevation to high posts, living a luxurious life and making money instead of public welfare by solving the common man’s problems. Now when the country is suffering from the worst political cum economic crisis of its history with no money even to pay the salaries of government employees and the national debt having risen to around 13 trillion rupees, the damned politicians are planning to sink Pakistan further, deep into the sea of poverty and degradation. Discussing the issue from the political angle, it is clear that the strength, and popularity of both the PPP and MQM was mainly limited to the province of Sindh with marginal influence in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but not much in Punjab. Weary of Punjab’s better management, peaceful atmosphere and advancement in every sphere of life, both the parties longed to extend their political influence therein. To win over the residents of Southern Punjab, they raised the slogan of establishing a Seraiki province. They used similar tactics to sway the people of Hazara to demand a province of their own. What we thought were mere ‘political slogans’ have been transformed into a bill for the creation of new provinces tabled by the MQM in the national assembly.
The self seeking politicians have totally ignored the financial impact and administrative implications of the plan which shall involve the appointment of a governor, a chief minister, dozens of ministers and advisors, staff members, security guards and other employees for each new province. Add to it their perks and privileges, provision of fully furnished bungalows, the fleets of cars, utility bills and countless other ways of expenditure. Can Pakistan afford to indulge in such a luxury at this moment of crisis?
RAFI NASIM,
Lahore, January 18.