Misuse of govt premises by political parties

Dear Sir,   I would like to point out the gross misuse of official government premises by political parties in power. whether it be the governor's cottage, the district council hall or the govt commerce college hall, all are being misused by the political parties for holding party meetings against all political ethics.

The ruling PPP after coming to power went a step ahead and hoisted it's flag on the judiciary building declaring it the party office. They have since shifted but to yet another less conspicuous government premise.

Politicians must follow moral ethics and norms while playing politics.  If a party cannot honour the sanctity of government institutions and consider them mere 'war booty' after winning elections, what good can be expected from it for the country and the people ?

I request the judiciary to take suo motto notice of this malpractice and stop political parties from using government premises for political purposes. I also request the visiting NAB team to take notice of this and issue strict orders forbidding this foul practice. --Wg Cdr (r) Fardad Ali Shah, Chitral 18 Sep 2011.

Comment 1

I would like to thank the honorable writer for raising a very important issue facing our nation. Our politicians, when come to power with the vote of public, start abusing the public properties such as government premises. The politicians should realize that they have been elected to serve the public and safe-guard the interests and properties of the public. If they cannot serve the public, they should at least not abuse and exploit the facilities meant for the public service.

Our political leaders are not only exploiting the government premises, but they are also using the Holy places such as Mosques for their political pursuit. The most recent example is that of a well-known political cum religious leader who on the last Friday (September 16th) while delivering sermon in a central Mosque spoke against an international organization which works purely on humanitarian ground in over 30 countries around the world. The said leader made baseless allegations inside the Holy Mosque in the presence of hundreds of prayers against the organization which has no hidden motives other than the socio-economic development of Chitral.

The political cum religious leader made these allegations in a time when our beloved Chitral is threatened by militants who have brutally killed over three dozens of our beloved sons. This is the time for every loyal Chitrali to work for greater unity, social harmony and peace in Chitral. Such kind of baseless allegations by a political and religious leader can only divide us and thus weaken our strength and unity to fight against terrorism. It is very disappointing that in this hour of increasing security threats, a political and religious leader can make such an irresponsible and provocative speech, and that too in a Holy Mosque.

I would like to suggest our political leaders not to lose their integrity and respect by misusing the facilities, govt. premises, and Holy places for their political motives. Do not think that the public does not observe what you ‘DO’ and ‘SAY’. The public is sensible and educated enough to differentiate between those who do ‘good’ for the public and those who only ‘talk’…..--Sher Khan, Drosh 20 Sep 2011.

Comment 2

Regarding writers concern about misuse of Government property for political gathering, I have made inquiry from College staff. I was told that any one using Commerce College hall, first they pay for it. The money goes into College student welfare activities; I think that is not abuse or misuse in any sense. It is rather the best use of any resource available. We must look into the positive aspect of every thing first. I also confirmed that there is no flag on judiciary building; suo motto notice could also be taken against those if their statement(s) given in media could not be verified.

We are thinking about positive change in society and every one is looking for new face in our politics. But if we start our movement with negative approaches, it will be very hard to achieve our goal, and we don’t want to be looser at any cost.

We are working for a good cause, no matter any one supports us or not, is not good enough to convince public, I realized that later. Because first of all we have to prove that we are really working for good cause and good change and present and prove ourselves to be verifiable by general public, and let them make sure that we are different. How to do that is another difficult job. If we start making mountains out of mole hills, it will convey negative message to public. Lets open our hearts and hands at the same time for public, and try our best to show people that we are different than others. -- Dr. Khalil, Canada.23 sep 2011.

Comment 3

This is with reference to Dr Khalil’s views on the subject under discussion. I agree with himl that we should be as positive as possible but being positive does not always help, particularly when some practices are wrong. Misuse of government facilities meant for the public service is not a new practice in Pakistan including Chitral.

We see on daily basis the misuse of government vehicles, offices, and employees by those in power. Is it something surprising that many Class 4 employees (chokidars/ chaprasis) are not serving in the offices for which they have been hired but they are working in the houses of their Bosses? A simple example which we often see is the “VIP culture” – a road meant for the public transport is blocked for hours because a VIP is travelling through that road. Is it not a misuse of a facility meant for the public? Many million worth excavator machines and bulldozers are being used by party workers for their personal work but the same machines are not available to clear a main road damaged by floods.

There are many such examples of our politicians and bureaucrats misusing the govt. and public properties and just one example (Commerce College hall) was given by the writer, which we appreciate. At least some people have the guts and sense of responsibility to raise voice against the malpractices of our leaders. And highlighting these issues is NOT a negative attitude. In fact, this is a great service to the public and the government. We should differentiate between “pessimism” and “positive-ness” – seeing a wrong practice and keeping quiet is pessimism—not a positive attitude. -- Sher Khan Chitrali, Drosh, 23 sep 2011.

Comment 4

Wg Cdr (r) Fardad Ali Shah is a very creative minded leader and has agitated a very important issue. He himself is a political leader so i would like to request him to call the political leadership (including religious parties) at one place and develop some SOPs.

Secondly all the Government Installations are meant for the public. If one or two under utilized premises are used by public representatives in the interest of public, it can not be termed as misuse. Thirdly I am of the opinion that Mosques are also Holy public places. They are being used to promote the causes of Religious parties only.

The subject matter under discussion is a re -percussion of use of mosques by our ulema against the opponent parties. This should also be looked into. -- Dr.Noorul Islam, Chitral 26 sep 2011.

Comment 5

Commentators are right in saying that writer is contributing well for common cause. Political mobilization, consciousness and political development, is the direct result of critical thinkers and contributors. Print and electronic media has been doing great deal of works as mouthpiece of public to disseminate the news of public concern and interests.

Problems profusion that we are facing for more or less two decades is not because of the few leaders but the majority rule and leadership. The true democratic and concept of welfare state envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam has been changed into an opportunistic political culture which ultimately propelled the system of exploitation in society.

There is no respect for the mandate given to the representatives. If our political leaders will contemplate only over the word “representative” it manifests the reality that they have been elected by the public and the power they have, sanction behind public vote which shows the relationship between the voters and representative. Our political leadership takes this opportunity to political booty, in practice, either for self-interest or party interest, forgetting the true spirit and professional ethic that the society and human conscience demands.

If the resources of the public Institutions are being used for party glorification and projection in one or the other way is tantamount to misuse of power and resources. Now time is coming closer for transferring decision making power again into the hands of public in terms of vote, should have to decide who best represent the will of public and best utilize the resources(time, health and wealth) like Quaid , to the best interest of Pakistan and man in the street.-- Alhaj Muhammad Khan, Charun, Chitral, 27 Sep 2011.
 

(If you wish to comment on the above write up, you can send your comments at chitralnews@yahoo.com. Please go through the House Rules  before sending comments)