Beyond our means

According to prominent Pakistani economists, most of our foreign loans are spent on the civil and uniformed bureaucracy of this poor country, whose salaries, perks and pension have become a burden on the national exchequer. If this is true then under no circumstances should this be acceptable. Foreign loans should only be taken for development projects which will boost the economy, generate employment and improve exports or on development of human resources and research. Austerity measures should target those who have been the beneficiaries of state largess for far too long and not the poor or the taxpaying middle class. This country needs to invest in development schemes that improve public transportation which will ultimately lead to savings on the import of cars and petroleum while also improving the environment and reducing traffic.

When the total revenues generated by the state are less than the money required to pay down debts, pensions and the salaries of government employees we face an impending economic emergency. The salaries and pensions of state servants should be in proportion to our economic capacity.

Malik T Ali

Lahore