Observing austerity

After visiting some local government offices of different departments in Peshawar, I was very surprised to see the stark differences between some departments, in terms of the use of luxury office items. For example in some government offices, officers are given large LCD TVs, ACs and new furniture. On the other hand, other government officers have minimum furniture and low-value equipment.

Such differences promote nepotism and corruption as it creates competition for ‘wealthy’ postings. I think the government should implement rules that ensure all government offices have equal-value furniture and no government funds are wasted on renovations and luxury items, especially when the government has announced an austerity programme.

Shazmeen Shahryar

Peshawar