By Syed Nouman Ud Din, Advocate
> “When personal interests came into play, the supporters of ’45’ and ’47’ stood in the same line. At that moment, there was neither ’45’ nor ’47’—only self-interest.”
Sometimes it feels as though this country no longer belongs to its people, but to a privileged political class. Citizens are remembered when votes are needed, yet once elections are over, their voices fade into the background. The votes belong to the people, the power belongs to the rulers, and the privileges belong to them alone.
The recently debated Privileges Act in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has reignited a serious public debate. Many citizens are asking a simple question: why should those who already enjoy official perks receive even more privileges, including blue passports, special identification, arms licences, exemptions from toll taxes, VIP facilities, and other exclusive benefits? Ultimately, who bears the cost of these privileges? The answer is obvious—the taxpayers.
Across Pakistan, countless families struggle to afford basic necessities. A labourer checks the price of milk before buying it for his children. A middle-class employee worries about paying the electricity bill. Graduates wander from office to office searching for employment. Patients wait in overcrowded public hospitals hoping for medicine that is often unavailable. Yet instead of discussing solutions to these hardships, legislative assemblies appear increasingly occupied with expanding privileges for those already in power.
A few days ago, during proceedings in the Punjab Assembly, a senior provincial minister was questioned about the purchase of an expensive aircraft. His response was widely reported:
“We bought it, brother. What can you do about it?”
Whether intended as humour or confidence, many ordinary Pakistanis perceived the remark as a symbol of the growing distance between the ruling elite and the people they represent.
Even more painful for many observers was the laughter that followed in the assembly. While it may have been a moment of amusement inside the chamber, outside its walls millions of struggling citizens viewed it very differently.
Pakistan continues to face serious economic challenges. Public debt is increasing, inflation continues to burden households, and unemployment remains a pressing concern. Yet the discussion of official privileges never seems to lose momentum. Public office should represent responsibility, accountability, and sacrifice—not an opportunity to expand personal benefits.
The true beauty of democracy lies in humility, public service, and accountability, not in luxury and privilege. When legislative institutions become symbols of entitlement instead of sacrifice, people naturally begin asking difficult questions.
> “Thrones, crowns, and palaces never last forever;
In the end, only prayers—or curses—remain.”
The most unfortunate reality is that political differences often disappear when personal interests are at stake. Leaders who fiercely oppose one another suddenly appear united when it comes to protecting or expanding official privileges. It is in such moments that many citizens quietly observe:
> “When personal interests prevailed, there was neither ’45’ nor ’47’—only self-interest.”
The people of Pakistan do not ask for blue passports. They ask for dignity. They do not seek special licences; they seek a society peaceful enough that such privileges become unnecessary. They do not demand VIP lounges; they want hospitals where every patient receives treatment with respect. They do not ask for exemptions from toll taxes; they ask for an economy in which honest work provides a decent life.
Public office is a trust, not a possession. Parliament and provincial assemblies exist to serve the people, not to distribute privileges among themselves. Any law that widens the gap between rulers and the citizens deserves thoughtful public scrutiny.
One Question Remains
When a nation is burdened by debt, young people are unemployed, farmers struggle to survive, labourers find it difficult to feed their families, and patients cannot afford medicine, should the priority of public representatives be expanding official privileges—or restoring public confidence?
May the day come when our leaders compete not in collecting privileges, but in earning the prayers, trust, and respect of the people they serve.
— Syed Nouman Ud Din, Advocate
Advocate High Court & Federal Courts of Pakistan
