As a result of the last general elections, when a party different from the one at the centre started ruling Punjab, it was hoped that this province would be governed somewhat differently than the centre. But it has turned out to be a false hope because there seems to be little difference between the two rules in actual practice. Most importantly, the problem of corruption has escalated as much at the provincial level in Punjab as it has at the federal level.
It is common knowledge that a lot of the district budget is clandestinely plundered by the local bureaucracy while sizable amounts are extorted directly from the common man as bribes through the discretionary powers bestowed on provincial officials. The money collected thus is divided into two portions: one is kept by the local officers for themselves while the other part is siphoned upwards.
The Punjab Health Department is especially in a shambles because it has a hefty budget. The CM who is also the health minister has failed to take notice of public complaints against errant health officials. The tax-payers’ money is spent on the salaries and perks of the health workers but the tax-payers only get frustration in return.
Let us hope and pray that some honest leaders appear as a result of the next elections who really care for the people and honestly want to pull them out of their miseries.
GHULAM SARWAR
Muzaffargarh