Daily Times

We have seen many insane and short-sighted politicians in Pakistan parliament in different governments, whether so-called democratic or purely dictatorial regimes. We are extremely blessed with the present one – the first ever regime in the last two decades that has most of the morons of all seasons and moments. However, except a couple of cabinet members that sometimes speak rationally just to give a different taste, others frequently act insanely beyond limits. Just watch them speaking in the Senate or the National Assembly, in a press conference or a TV talk show.

Surprisingly, it is not about the government players alone, the opposition is also generously blessed with the same moronic species. So, we see every day the worst of the worst on the TV channels and read their ridiculous and exemplary stupid statements in newspapers. They damage national interest and integrity, solidarity and repute of the national institutions. No check on them. They are free to say anything, anywhere, believing themselves the disciples of Aristotle. Unfortunately, they don’t bother to watch and monitor the international media how it reacts to the moronic statements of Pakistani politicians especially those sitting in the cabinet.

Luckily, we, the national and international media persons, have the chance to frankly comment on a variety of topics and the persons involved or engaged in the content of discussion. There comes the actual feedback on the morons and maniacs of today’s politics especially in the present regime.

This is terrible that international journalists consider the PTI regime, from top to bottom, a laughing stock. They crack unbearable jokes on their insane political statements.

Today, I had a call from a seasoned international journalist quoting the federal minister for information and broadcasting Shibli Faraz, “where a word Pakistan is attached to any organization, it is in the worst condition”.

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has been wrapped-up and over 400 employees have been terminated without compensation of any fringe benefits

His satirical question was, “what about Pakistan itself and Pakistan Army?” Extremely embarrassing was the question I went through because of the word ‘Pakistan’.

I can bear with any satirical or cynical even abusive words for any person in media, politics, civil or military bureaucracy, but not for my country or my army or any state institution. This is unfortunate that the ruling party, more specifically the cabinet of insane morons, have pushed the country and the state institutions to the verge of disgust and disrespect.

Mockingly, I replied to the journalist: Yes, you are right Pakistan itself is in the worst situation because of the so-called ruling ‘politicians’ such as Shibli Faraz and Ghulam Sarwar, the lame minister for Civil Aviation. The latter one has thrown a hand-grenade on the entire civil aviation industry in Pakistan.

Known for corrupt practices and said to be having a fake degree, Ghulam Sarwar might be having a specific agenda or vested interest for blowing up a small administrative disorder to a huge scam. It could not be merely a mistake that would be left unnoticed while the European Union has banned PIA flights and many airlines have grounded the Pakistani pilots employed with them.

PIA was one of 68 state-owned entities set for privatization in 2013 as part of a deal in which the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would provide some $6.7 billion to help Islamabad avoid a default. The privatization of PIA stalled in 2016 after staff protests, and the government then moved to block the sale.

Keeping in view the aforementioned context and having the government bow down to the IMF unconditional terms and having employed the IMF staff on the key positions, the statement of Ghulam Sarwar seems to be a planned one and comprehendible. Perhaps that is why [Prime Minister] Imran Khan has taken no serious notice of the disastrous statement. Perhaps, Khan is happy inside about the situation Ghulam Sarwar has created. It would create room to sell off PIA at no price, and earn huge kickbacks on the new licenses. Rumours are in the air that it is being done to benefit the Askarai Air.

Pakistan Steel Mills had almost 9 billion in its kitty when PTI took over the government, and they had all tall claims to run it more efficiently. But it has collapsed and on auction now for peanuts. Some other government properties that are in the pipeline for sale would soon be collapsed like PSM and PIA.

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has been wrapped-up and over 400 employees have been terminated without compensation of any fringe benefits. Chairman of the enfolded PTDC Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari alias Zulfi Bukhari has said that the government would establish another tourism authority with a new vision. Bravo…. Great vision.

Why is the Pakistan government in a hurry to sell out the Roosevelt Hotel of Midtown in Manhattan (New York)? In 2015, the average price of the Roosevelt with 1,015 rooms was estimated at $636 million. But the US estate experts were of the view that If it sells for the prices of hotels sold in Midtown Manhattan, which are its true comparable, it would sell for between $1 billion and $1.4 billion in enterprise value.

The honest and pious government is planning to sell it out very cheap – another scandalous disaster is in the offing. It would be graciously added to a long list of evidently proved mega and small corruption scams by the close aides of the PTI prime minister, a party sloganeering to root out corruption from the society and government institutions, and to promote, ensure and mainstream social, economic and legal justice – that is still a far cry for a common citizen rather the ruling morons have added more miseries to the fate of common people. People are cursing the rulers, and to those as well who selected them all. Selectors may be aware of their fast deteriorating repute. Sooner or later, they would have to go for their damage control. Why not sooner than later?

The writer is the Director Devcom-Pakistan, a policy advocacy and outreach think tank in Islamabad. His email: devcom.pakistan@gmail.com Twitter Handle: @EmmayeSyed