Inducement For Legislatures
By Gul Raiz • Jul 13th, 2008 • Category: Politics • (3,511 views) • 5 CommentsAs if our members of national assembly are very poor and their abject poverty cannot be tolerated by the government, and as if these members are the society’s most deprived people, who despite of their haplessness have delivered diamond studded achivements to the fatherland, the government is giving them the following inducements, so that they could get free of their financial woes and carry on completing their starry milestone over one another:
Following are the inducements for Ministers in Pakistan:
Salary & Govt. concessions for a Member of National Assembly (MNA):
Monthly Salary : Rs.120,000 to 200,000
Expense for Constitution per month : Rs.100,000
Office expenditure per month : Rs.140,000
Traveling concession (Rs.8 per km) : Rs.48,000 (For a visit to Islamabad & return: 6000 km)
Daily BETA during Assembly meets : Rs.500
Charges for 1 class (A/C) in train : Free (For any number of times & All Over PAKISTAN)
Charges for Business Class in flights : Free for 40 trips / year (With wife or P.A.)
Rent for Govt. hostel any where : Free Electricity costs at home Free up to 50,000 units
Local phone call charges : Free up to170,000 calls.
TOTAL expense for a MNA per year : Rs. 32,000,000 (approx.)
TOTAL expense for 5 years : Rs.160,000,000
As such for 534 MNAs, the expense for 5 years comes to Rs.85,440,000,000 (about 9000 crores).
Now what are the achievements of these MNAs?
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July 13th, 2008
My suggestion is put all the MPA’s in prison and establish a monarchy! Spending over $1.2 Billion to keep these inept “leaders” into power has been a serious mistake for the country. Pakistan needs a leader like King Akbar not these power and money hungry fools that are looting the country.
Imran Khan was right in his statement that only the wealthy should be taking these positions of power.
It is either return of the monarchy or the country goes back to a very strict military rule. I prefer the monarchy and return to the days, when rulers looked after the interest of all and not just the few. Call me a fool but I for one am fed up with this idea of trying to establish a ‘democracy’ in Pakistan.
July 13th, 2008
I do agree with you dear Doctor Sahib; Akbar’s approach suits my personal taste, however, I can anticipate big problems with that. Imran Khan’s theory implies, the wealthy would be less prone to temptations. Do I understand it correct? If, so, then I am afraid in our case it is just the opposite those among us who are privileged to be endowed with better things in life prove to be bigger pilferers.
I think we must beg that only those must come forward who really want to serve; ask me not how to go about it.
One more thing that really interest me or rather intrigues me is to notice lately in posts here and also in the media a new term to talk about our country - traditionally it was ‘MOTHERLAND’ and now some people are trying to change it to “FATHERLAND” - I have asked before also and want to ask again the motive behind this, is it just a fashion these days and one wrote after reading it somewhere and caught fancies of others. Please, do comment on it, I have great interest in this, please!
July 13th, 2008
Aftab Bhai, you have brought-up very interesting and thought provoking ideas to reflect upon. I have enjoyed reading the history of King Akbar and how he dealt with all the subjects of his “kingdom”. Akbar was a fair man that treated all with respect and even the non-Muslims enjoyed the freedom to practice their faith. The question comes forth, do we have leaders like that today?
In that light, I believe Imran Khan is showing a lot of maturity. No human is perfect and I am sure, many will find faults in his character. I try to focus more upon the good than the “bad” qualities of man. I had the good fortune to meet Imran many years ago and I was skeptical at first of his intentions. Time has passed and Imran has shown he is not interested in the self-glory and doing what he can as a person at the grassroots for Pakistan. First it was the hospital and recently of the university that he has helped establish.
Sadly, in Pakistan, most are not following the examples of Imran and few others (Edhi would be another great example but he has no interest to become a leader of Pakistan) that are trying to make a change for their “motherland”. You are very correct that, most leaders that come from wealth, would only end up looking ways to increase their coffers and not think in the interest of the common man.
Is it possible that a new breed of leaders will arise from the mist of this chaos? I do believe in time, we will. Unfortunately, the situation will first become worse. Then out of the chaos, new leaders will emerge that will do what is best of the nation and in the interest of every citizen of the country. Think of it as a volcano and the aftermath of lava on the soil it destroys.
Yes, I am idealistic and hopeful, but what is life without hope?
It is very interesting that you have picked up this word usage of “motherland and “fatherland”. I believe the linguists that are propagating divisions among people are partly responsible. Most have forgotten that the Germans (Hitlers time) used similar slogans and for a long time and we all know their fate. In the USA, we are seeing similar slogans now in the name of patriotism and one will not be surprised to hear “fatherland’ being used. Nationalism is on the rise in most parts of the world today and we should not be surprised by the writers to pick up on this usage of these words in Pakistan.
For me, Pakistan is my motherland and I sincerely pray that God has Mercy upon the country and all of its citizens.
I believe, I have shared more than enough for you and other readers here. I certainly would enjoy feedback and thoughts from you and others on this subject. I pray that this will bring better understanding for all, and we can better focus on the bigger issues that are facing not only Pakistan but all mankind today.
Regards
July 13th, 2008
Dear Doctor Sahib, yes, indeed. Akbar’s philosophy of governance was great, specially because of tolerance and fairness. However, you understand my apprehensions considering the degree of patience we have with our own kind (we are still busy in suspecting eachother’s loyalty) this kind of immaturity I haven’t encountered in anywhere. And I have been around.
There is no two opinions about Imran’s accomplishments and services. His character is better than most of us, so that should not be of any consequence. I am kind of disappointed by his decision of staying out of the parliament, for me your being in there makes you more authentic. From out side you appear more like a frustrated agitator. In my view, Imran should have stayed far away from people of dubious agendas. I think in his honest endeavor he often has lead himself used by others, I hope I am wrong. In my view, he and the MQM guys have more similiarities than differences, I had wished them joining hands and worked together to get us rid of this gangs of the power groupings. In politics, like in anyother field, choices have to be made between more agreeable and lesser aggreeable.
“Fatherland” and “Motherland”. Think about the nature of relationship we humans, traditionally, have with our mothers and fathers. Think about your mother; and now think about your father. How do you feel? Feel the difference between the two?
July 13th, 2008
Aftab Bahi, I do understand in reference to “fatherland and motherland”. You are very right, there should be no difference. Most of us have been closer to our “mothers” than “fathers”…:) I do see your point and I appreciate you helping me focus on that there is no difference. Thank you!
I do hope and pray that Imran comes around and not remain a “spectator”. I am sure he must have his reasons. I do agree with you also that Imran and the MQM have a lot in common. Let’s see if they can bridge better understanding between each other.
I do have a question for you that may help us all better understand some issues. How do you define “time”?
I will look to reading your words later and now I should try to get some rest.
Keep up the good work of helping us remained focused.
All the best!