Whither Quaid’s Pakistan?

Our 76th Pakistan Day should help us assess how far we have deviated from Quaid’s vision of a modern, democratic Pakistan to a state where politics is devoid of any ethics or commitment. The absence of accountability has given a licence to commit crime to those who consider that this country with all its assets is there to serve them. People holding dual nationalities come in two categories: those who are forced to seek foreign nationalities or work permits because the state has failed to provide them equal opportunities on merit at home, and those who, after benefitted the most from the country, have conveniently chosen to abandon it and seek foreign passports.

A vast majority of expatriates send their savings back home. Their remittances form a major chunk of our total foreign exchange reserves. The other group after having made fortunes, enjoyed lucrative posts and benefitted from institutionalised corruption, have chosen to move their families and assets abroad through illegal channels and in the process have funnelled more foreign exchange out of the country than that which is remitted by a large majority of loyal hard working expatriates. It’s a shame that even provincial cabinet meetings are held in Dubai.

Malik Tariq

Lahore