Who is responsible?

It is the responsibility of the government to provide basic necessities to people. But in our country, people have to rely on alternative means as the government has completely failed to carry out its duties in a responsible manner. We install our own clean water system because the government has failed to provide safe drinking water to citizens. We hire security guards and use CCTV cameras because the government has failed to ensure our safety. We send our children to private schools and bear the brunt of exorbitant fee because the government has failed to provide good schools. We go to private hospitals that provide basic medical treatment at exorbitant charges because the government has failed to provide decent medical care.

We either buy cars or rely on private services to commute because the government has failed to set up a reliable public transportation system. We are often told that people evade taxes. The truth is: we don’t. From salaried individuals to businessmen, almost everyone pays their taxes on time. It is unfortunate that the tax money is being spent on other expenditures, such as the perks and privileges that are enjoyed by sitting ministers. Taxpayers demand the authorities concerned to mend their ways. Public spending should be carried out in an efficient manner.

Sheryar Jamal ( Karachi )