ANY individual who chooses to enter politics, especially those who head political parties, should be open to public scrutiny and have tolerance to face critical analysis of their assets, their extravagant lifestyle, tax records, their commitment to Pakistan vis-a-vis dual nationality status, financial and business records, etc.

When men or women who seek public office or hold the office of a political party, giving them clout in decision-making, then their private lives, weaknesses and sources of earning should be open to public scrutiny and media exposure, because men who decide the fate of people should be above board.

Cults or hereditary rights to seek political roles are adverse to democratic norms, because these roles are only conducive to feudal mindsets.

Political cults lead to violence, murder and threats of intimidation to exert their influence.

Party workers who do not tolerate criticism of their leaders have become cult disciples and this has no role in democratic politics.

Political morality, democratic ethics and culture of tolerance have become victim of these cult-like groupings that thrive on corruption, land-grabbing, human traffic, drug scams, weapon-smuggling and usurpation of state assets.

Therefore, all individuals who have chosen to play a role in national or provincial politics should be subjected to strict public scrutiny. Paid public servants must also be subjected to similar scrutiny and accountability.

RASHID ORAKZAI Texas, USA