Trim the fat

The president and interior minister have reportedly announced that they will forgo their salaries in view of the economic difficulties the country is facing. I hope that others will also follow suit. However, this gesture will not help improve the country’s overall financial position. That would require, in my view, cutting the other perks and privileges enjoyed by government officials. I would suggest that from now on free electricity, gas, petrol, telecoms connections and other privileges should not be extended to elected representatives and all others whose income comes from the national exchequer.

Malik ul Quddoos

Karachi