Ethics of governance

This refers to the article, ‘Governing through tickers’ (October 5) by Syed Talat Hussain. It is the moral and constitutional duty of those who are elected to govern not to abuse their status by promoting or indulging in their family businesses, just like it is not the business of the state to do business. Should it not surprise us that those at the helm of affairs have failed to perform basic obligatory functions like collecting taxes, providing security of life and property to citizens, improving human resources by investing in education, health, and providing clean drinking water? They have not only failed in checking flight of capital but are themselves involved in this crime.
It is a human weakness that traders actively involved in their own business submit to greed and temptation when given an opportunity to govern. The writer has summarised it beautifully: “Only if the rulers could bring the same kind of wisdom and sagacity to their governance as they show in running their personal businesses and treasures, real estates and homes, this country could turn around in a decade.”
Malik Tariq
Lahore