WHILE inequalities in income and wealth across the world have always been problematic, there is no apparent effort to address these issues primarily because the people who could do so are themselves beneficiaries of the system which perpetuates these inequalities.

In Pakistan too, the problem of income and wealth inequality is endemic and will probably never get adequately addressed for the same reasons as mentioned above; those benefitting from it do not want to change the status quo.

While researchers may have access to unpublished data, I will just mention two publicly available facts to highlight the aggravation of the existing wealth inequalities across the country.

According to the published financial statements of a private bank for the year ending Dec 31, 2021, the annual remuneration of the president of the bank was Rs341 million. In addition, he was entitled to free use of vehicles, security guards, etc.

In contrast, the employers and their federations have gone to the courts to challenge the minimum monthly wages of Rs40,000, which adds up to Rs480,000 annually. The amount was announced by the Sindh government last year, but has been under litigation.

I have a fair idea of the significant contribution made by the bank president to the profitability of the institution, and have an equally fair idea of the rather pale contribution made by an ordinary worker who is just a small, unheralded link in the long value chain. Still, this tale of two remunerations, and the

decision of the one getting over Rs340 million to give less than half-a-million to the hand-to-mouth other is really something that may stir the conscience of thinking Pakistanis. It should.

Name withheld on request
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2022