Elected culprits

This letter refers to the article ‘Broke but flashy’ (December 24, 2024) by Advocate Mustafa Tariq Wynne. The writer has identified a serious economic and governance problem: unnecessary vanity projects such as underpasses and overhead bridges for the benefit of a few privileged car owners. The problem is not confined to urban transport alone. However, I do not agree with the writer’s point that unelected bureaucrats are responsible for the problem.

They are selected, trained and supposed to be obedient public servants and they do as directed by their higher authorities, who are under the control of elected representatives. Although the bureaucracy has also been corrupted and misused, the real problem lies with elected representatives. They have concentrated authority and power over allocation of resources and have squandered the resources of the country on vanity projects. There is a need for stringent measures that ensure transparency and accountability in public expenditure.

Abdul Majeed

Islamabad