OF the many crises created or perceived to have been created by this government, the most recent one is about wheat shortage in the country.

According to reports this situation has arisen owing to the export of wheat on advice of some expert or advisor from among the advisors running the affairs of the government. The government, has decided to import wheat on a higher price to meet the national shortage. This government action reminded me of an anecdote I read many years ago in Reader’s Digest.

In one of the large firms, the management decided to give a cash reward to that worker whose proposal or advice for enhancing the productivity gets approved. John’s proposal was accepted, and he received a cash reward. At the end of year review, the management did not find any improvement in the profitability, so they again decided to ask for fresh proposals from the employees. John’s proposal was once again declared the best and accepted. He was again rewarded with a cash reward. This time, John advised the management that his earlier proposal be cancelled.

I think, this sums up the prevailing state of the wheat crises in the country!

Nisar Sarwar

Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2020