As a nation, we are in the habit of criticising for criticisms’ sake. The recent example is the criticism being heaped on the wisdom of our PM for creating four new ministries. The Prime Minister is being criticised for the additional budget which would be required to run these important ministries. The second criticism is the limited scope of operations of each ministry. The third criticism is the violation of the spirit of 18th Amendment.
Some people are looking at this decision through the glasses of inflation, unemployment, suicides, ever increasing gas and electricity tarriffs, non-payment of pension to retired civil servants, target killing and worsening law and order situation in the country. No body is looking at the bigger picture.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani is the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed Muslim country in the world, recently elected non-permanent member of the Security Council on an Asian seat. It would be very embarrassing for him to preside over a small-sized Cabinet. As a matter of fact, it would be a shame for the nation that their Prime Minister has only two dozen colleagues in his Cabinet. It would be proper that the number of ministers should be increased to 100 and that they should be supported by state ministers and parliamentary secretaries. After all the ministers are elected members of the Parliament, they will be electing Senators in March 2012. Great responsibility ahead.
Looking from the bureaucratic perspective, creation of new ministries would lead to more promotions for civil servants. Many friends have been waiting for a long time for promotion to 22. Every secretary gets an additional plot. This is good for the health of the economy. So criticism against new ministries is an attempt to sabotage the economy of the country. Three cheers for PM Gilani for creating new ministries.
ASGHAR MAHMOOD
Islamabad
