Finding the Will

Author: Daily Times

Nawaz Sharif’s critics had laughed him off after the sight of him being out of the public eye for the last several months. However, now that PML(N) supremo has decided to assert himself, he is sending a clear message: when he speaks, his party listens. Shortly after he had sat alongside Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to announce a significant relief for electricity consumers in his party’s citadel, Saturday saw him calling for both the centre and Punjab to “do more” in a consultative meeting held in Lahore.

That he chose to go beyond mere words by demanding a cut in government spending to make room for reduced power tariffs for not just residential but also industrial users has made him relevant to the political landscape. After all, he dared openly address the swirling chatter in stark contrast to the unsaid norm about austerity being a buzzword only when politicians in Pakistan sit on the opposition benches.

For now, it is hoped that other provinces will follow suit. While Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments have repeatedly raised clarion calls for more funds from the NFC award, there are a few corners that they could still cut and a few superfluous administrative units they could do without.

Oversized cabinets, for instance, are not just an unnecessary burden on taxpayers but a naked display of the government’s disconnect from the battles their people fight every day to put food in their bellies or keep a roof over their heads.

Expecting provincial governments to willingly share debt servicing or give up their precious finances for the sake of the greater good might be akin to beating about the same bush but surely, Punjab and Sindh (if not Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) can utilise the remaining proceeds from the last financial year as fuel for pro-people initiatives. Instead of preaching to the choir about the unprecedented hard times, those at the helm of the affairs might gain some goodwill by proactively finding ways to address the challenges. *

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • Trending

UAE launches new multi-entry visit visa: Key details revealed

The United Arab Emirates has launched a new multi-entry visit visa aimed at offering increased…

3 hours ago
  • Pakistan

PM says no negligence will be tolerated in preparations of Hajj 2025

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reviewed preparations for Hajj 2025, directing that no negligence…

3 hours ago
  • World

Trump promises harsh immigration crackdown on inauguration eve

Donald Trump told thousands of roaring supporters he would impose severe limits on immigration on his…

3 hours ago
  • World

Israel’s move to ban UN’s aid agency for Palestinians would be ‘catastrophic’: Top official

The head of the United Nations agency that assists Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has warned that…

3 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Trial under Army Act; hearing postpones for non-availability of Bench

Constitutional Petition regarding Trial of Civilians under Army Act was fixed for hearing today (Monday,…

3 hours ago
  • Top Stories

21 Pakistani nationals rescued off Moroccan coast: FO

Based on verified information, twenty-one Pakistani nationals have been identified among the survivors of a…

3 hours ago