A statement issued by the army spokesperson Major General Athar Abbas on the defence budget and the need for streamlining the funds in civilian departments has certainly caused a stir in the political and civilian circles. Is it because the statement ruffles a lot of feathers in the backdrop of a completely chaotic politico-economic muddle, or is it being felt that Altaf Hussains invitations are finally ringing home?
The general, however, rightly points out the fact that these significant issues such as the budget need to be delved into comprehensively, instead of criticising some segments to legitimise the others. Isnt this what the entire media has been trumpeting about since eternity?
Public concerns have been rising as whopping amounts of money fails to reach the national exchequer as taxes are slyly evaded. Defaulter friendly laws are imposed to further undermine the economy, allowing large chunks of national wealth to be surreptitiously exported to foreign lands.
It is not entirely wrong if we say that reduction of corrupt practices in the civil departments may lead to investments in the development programs. How the PMs son becomes one of the richest man of Pakistan is no mystery, but why should that affect anyone, we have a scapegoat and lashing out at it is the most fun activity when theres a lack of topics for discussion.
With complete neutrality, we have to give the army the credit that unlike their civilian counterparts, the extra money is used to build inland projects. Cantonments, roads, bridges etc are developed in side Pakistan and not in foreign lands. A substantial sum is spent on various developmental programs for Pakistanis. And above all, the armed force is the largest employment agency that is a source of livelihood for thousands of Pakistanis.
Considering the governing skills of the government and disapproval from all across the globe it should not come as a surprise if criticism emanates from within the national institutions too.
HABIBA YOUNIS
Rawalpindi
