A renowned poetess, Kishwar Naheed, was cheated the other day at a Post Office where she had gone to pay her electricity bill. She was shocked to learn that everybody is experiencing cheating, and few are punished, if caught at all. I would not advise the respectable poetess to avoid contact with government functionaries. It is inevitable in many situations. As a matter of fact, the government has grown too much in this part of the world. However, utility bills can be paid at banks and I have experienced staff at foreign banks operating in Pakistan reasonably courteous. Every honest person is suffering at the hands of the corrupt elements in the government.
I had to personally visit the office of revenue department in Islamabad to hear the remarks that a pensioner should learn to face such delays. I have not been able to receive revised Last Pay Slip despite the intervention of a friend who is holding an important position in a government office. Counters for pensioners have not become operational at AGPR. There is urgent need to humanise bureaucracy. Madam Kishawar Naeed, please don’t despair. If it may help, you are not alone to suffer at the hands of cheaters and corrupt in Pakistan.
ASGHAR MAHMOOD
Islamabad
