I REGULARLY read selected news items from 50 years old issues of Dawn and analyse them in the perspective of the conditions prevailing today. The selections, if published in a book form, may clear many historical facts which are being twisted today. Currently, the column ‘Dawn 50 years ago today’ deals with Ayub era events. Irrespective of whether he was a dictator or not, one thing is worth consideration — Pakistan was marching on the road to progress and prosperity under him. He was supported by a good team of planners, economic experts and others.

The news item published on Aug 18, 1962, and reproduced by Dawn in Aug 18 issue in 2012 reveals the patriotic approach of the then Governor of East Pakistan Malik Amir Mohammad Khan. The news item reads: “The West Pakistan Governor, Malik Amir Mohammad Khan, said yesterday that he did not favour waste of money on too many functions in honour of ministers and elected representatives. He said personally, I think, too many invitations should not be accepted.”

The statement under reference should serve as a lesson for those holding highest government positions today. Astonishingly, after the ministers, the government officials today have also adopted the practice of wasting huge money.

Similarly, today’s government officials pay frequent visits abroad on one pretext or the other. They do not even like to have medical treatment at home and thus waste the state’s wealth. Is there any institution or agency to check this wastage of money?

FATIMA DARAKHSHAN Islamabad