THIS is apropos of the news item, “Legislators’ painful display of luxury” (Feb 4). The sight of expensive and luxurious cars — Mercedes Benz, BMWs, Land Cruisers and Humvees — in the parking lot of the Parliament House is shocking.

It seems to mock the sentiments of the poor and needy people of Pakistan. Moreover, the news that the legislators who have been voted into power reject the use of second-hand cars is also deplorable.

This flamboyant attitude does not suit the leaders of a poor, third world country whose economy is buckling under the financial crunch and a massive debt amounting to Rs8.89 trillion.

It is time the country’s legislators thought beyond their self-interest and led by example by putting into practice the much talked about austerity drive.

It is worth mentioning that while our politicians drive in classy, bullet-proof cars, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the simple and austere Iranian President, is well-known for driving a 33-year-old Peugeot 504.

Recently Ahmadinejad has auctioned his car for $1million with the intention of utilising the proceeds from the sale for building 60,000 homes for the disabled and needy women. This may be asking too much: When will our legislators follow suit?

ZAINAB IHSAN Lahore

Display of luxury This refers to the news report, ‘Legislators’ painful display of luxury’ (Feb 4).

Your reporter has aptly pointed out the ostentatious lifestyle of our legislators and an increasing inner urge for riding new luxury cars like Mercedes Benz, Land Cruisers, BMWs and even American made Humvees in a country which is mired in huge debts.

According to a recent report, the country’s debts have reached Rs8.89 trillion.

In other words, each and every citizen of this country and every child that is yet to be born, owes a debt of Rs50,000.

The news report also referred to the austere living of those who matter most in India — the second fastest growing economy of the world. They also include ministers, parliamentarians and army generals.

It also referred to the message that US President Barack Obama sent out when he was captured on camera dropping his daughter to school.

This was not all. Look at his simple living style. In a recent letter published in these columns, it was pointed out that he wore a suit on most occasions as president of the richest country while our prime minister hardly wore a suit twice.

It has to be believed that no outside force is damaging this country and its economy. It is we and our own rulers who have been doing so by adopting an artificial lifestyle that is not found where it was once in vogue.

Look at the White House and compare it with our presidency. Look at 10 Downing Street and compare it with our Prime Minister House.

Look at the fixture and furniture at these two places. Look at the House of Commons and also at our National Assembly. You would find a much bigger difference. Where are we headed to?

People are justified in asking the rulers where Rs8.89 trillion had gone. Most people are still without clean drinking water; leave aside bread, clothing and shelter.

Man in the street does not see even a ray of hope for the betterment. This is no pessimistic view. This is the only truth which our leaders (and also a section of the media) have been denying and hoping against hope and/or expecting some miracle to happen.

Doesn’t it appear as if our ‘elite class’ is staying at a luxury hotel and waiting for a check out to board on an outgoing flight?

The nation is leaderless. Would Jinnah be reborn to guide the detracted and derailed nation?

M. SIDDIQUI Islamabad