Daily Times

Sir: Regrettably, the entire nation has witnessed large scale arbitrary arrests and detentions of political activists, extrajudicial killings, strife, social and political instability, economic underdevelopment, disregard for human rights and the rule of law and the consequential misgovernance and maladministration throughout the country. Growing intolerance, in all forms and manifestations, is another significant factor in the sad state of affairs in the country. Undeniably the nation has never before seen or experienced such alarming levels of maladministration, crime and corruption, low levels of morality, the lackadaisical attitude of many government functionaries in the execution of their duties, and dishonesty as well as injustices that have permeated all facets of society. Sadly, the ruling elite is seen to conspire to ‘justify’ and enforce institutionalised wickedness and crimes against humanity in the country and nothing is being done for peace, stability, sustainable economic development, good governance and poverty eradication in the country. From their well written speeches in the joint session of parliament, it appears that these parliamentarians have nothing to do with the genuine demands and problems of the people coupled with the emerging social, moral and economic challenges to our society. They are only alive to their rights, perks and privileges and the promotion of their own families and their business empires. Is there anyone among the constitutionally and legally conscious in this elite club that they call parliament to remind them of the verses of Romans: 13. Verse seven is particularly striking and reads: “Render to all men their dues, pay taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due and honour to whom honour is due.”

HASHIM ABRO

Islamabad