This is time to accept that wasting taxpayer money undermines public trust and can lead to economic inefficiencies that ultimately harm the society that the taxes are meant to support.
Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo
Like other states on this globe, in Pakistan, taxpayers contribute a portion of their hard-earned income to fund government activities. This money, derived from various forms of taxation, is crucial for maintaining and developing essential public services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and national security. However, the efficient and judicious use of taxpayer money is paramount to ensuring that these resources are not squandered.
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When one observes developed societies, it becomes clear that they follow justice, principles, and merit as the cornerstones of their development. They allow capable individuals to lead, and ordinary people willingly follow. In contrast, in societies where the capable are pressured to follow those who are below average, the results are like what we are witnessing in Pakistan. Recently, our prime minister promoted one of his actions as a caller tune, even though it did not equally benefit the nation as a whole. None among policy corridors is ready to recognize that cellular services are purchased by consumers, they should decide what to promote and what not to promote, rather than having the promotion dictated by the Federal Government.
Let us demand our rights as taxpayers, we now need open data portals where who is paying what, how taxpayers are benefiting, detailed information on government spending, allowing citizens to track where and how money is being used.
This is time to accept that wasting taxpayer money undermines public trust and can lead to economic inefficiencies that ultimately harm the society that the taxes are meant to support. Responsible fiscal management is the cornerstone of any government’s duty to its citizens. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, every time shortfall is transferred to ordinary citizens while the government continues enjoying the same status quo. The revenue collected through taxes is invested to run programs for personal and ruling party promotion. Since independence, we have witnessed our taxes being utilized to promote some of the political parties, their leaders, and their families. It is a better time to say no to personal promotions, let us demand our rights as taxpayers, we now need open data portals where who is paying what, how taxpayers are benefiting, detailed information on government spending, allowing citizens to track where and how money is being used.
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Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo, based in Hyderabad, is a specialist in Institutional Development, MEAL, and Fundraising. linkedin.com/in/zaheer-udin-babar-junejo-0a30a9152
