Status quo

This refers to the letter ‘Elitist state’ (December 4, 2023) by Nayab Ahmad. One thing that the elites and the poor of Pakistan have in common is that they are both leaving the country in significant numbers but for different reasons. The elites are moving to developed countries to enjoy modern facilities and a high standard of living while the marginalized segments of society are migrating to make ends meet.

Recently a retired employee of the National Police Academy told me that he was trying to migrate since his pension had been stopped owing to a lack of pension funds in the institution he served for 30 years. On the other hand, others are drawing pensions to the tune of Rs2 million per month. Unlike the writer, I don’t think this scenario will change after the elections.

Dr Najeeb A Khan

Islamabad