Remnants of the colonial era
Many would readily agree that generals should not receive land grants and residential plots. Similarly, the judges and bureaucrats should not enjoy similar privileges. Other categories of government servants performing equally important and sometime equally hazardous jobs do not receive anything other than pensions after they retire. They are told that the dangers they face while performing their duties are trade hazards which they accepted while voluntarily joining the army. Why should a peculiar category be given extraordinary treatment? The grants are considered to be a remnant of the colonial era. Military commanders of more advanced countries who fought world wars and major conflicts spread over years were not given land grants. Neighbouring India too provides nothing other than pension to its generals. It is logical to question the continued prevalence of the practice in Pakistan?
Land grants in the barrage areas of Sindh to generals and bureaucrats were, in fact, being criticised widely as early as in late 50’s, both inside the West Pakistan Assembly and outside. These gave rise to grievances that were to peak in later years. The land grants are, in fact, a reminder of the dominant position the military had acquired in society. Now that democracy is beginning to take roots, these are bound to be questioned. The grants to bureaucrats and judges have been frequently used in the past to reward docile government officials and members of judiciary willing to bend the laws and regulations at the bidding of the rulers. During the Musharraf era, the government approved a package for grade 22 officers which included a second plot. The grants were extended to judges in 2008. To keep both judiciary and bureaucracy really free and independent, the practice has to be stopped.
Three cheers for the PAC to take a principled and courageous stand on the issue. The Committee directed the defence ministry on Wednesday to stop allotting agricultural lands to army generals and other military officials. It also directed the government to annul the policy of handing out two plots to grade 22 bureaucrats and to Supreme Court judges. The PAC chairman stated that the committee had no objection to the allotment of agricultural lands to widows, and martyrs’ families. Few would disagree with that.
But is the PAC the right body to get the policy changed? Few would expect the defence ministry to carry out the directives posthaste. As things stand the Registrar of the SC failed to appear when called by the PAC. The best forum to stop the practice is either the cabinet or the National Assembly. The PAC would do well to approach the two.
