THIS is with reference to the article ‘Elite illusions and delusions’ (Dec 9), which suggested that the government has let the elites enjoy at the cost of the masses. Borrowed glory has been preferred over national resources just as the previous governments did.

While the government continues to talk of Islamic values and teachings, borrowing loans based on interest and compound interest is a step that contradicts the words. The nation has always been willing to eat grass for the sake of our sovereignty, and finds it hard to reconcile with the harsh fact that even brother countries are lending us interest-based loans.

I am not against the rich adopting lavish lifestyle and spending money on luxuries. However, I want the government to make the producers and manufacturers of such items to establish their industries in Pakistan. The same should be the approach towards those selling their mechanical products and spare-parts. It would generate thousands of jobs for Pakistanis and would cut down the import bill.

It is also a matter of concern that the number of motor cars on our roads has escalated to 7.7 million. Motorcycles have outnumbered the cars, and there is no dearth of rickshaws, buses and other vehicles that together add to the demand of petrol. It would be better to introduce bicycles for shorter distances, and use the savings to build road, flyovers, highways and underpasses.

Dr M. Qudrat-e-Khuda
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2022