Pakistan Observer
Published Date: Jul 17, 2012
ASHRAFIA IS BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO SUPREMACY OF CONSTITUTION
Pakistani Ashrafia is the biggest obstacle to supremacy of constitution and rule of law in Pakistan, said Dr. Khalil Ahmad at the launch of his book organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Monday. Tahir Dhindsa of SDPI moderated the proceedings.
The book “Pakistan Mein Riyasti Ashrafiya Ka Urooj“ (The Rise of State Aristocracy in Pakistan) demonstrates that, in Pakistan, ‘state aristocracy’ or ‘riyasti ashrafiya’ derives its power from the state and seize wealth, clout and privileges for themselves whereas the lot ordinary citizens have only left with endless sufferings .
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Khalil Ahmad, Author and Executive Director, Alternate Solution Institute highlighted some of the main points of the book. He said, Pakistani Ashrafiya, including politicians, establishment, and the bureaucracy, have made the constitution subservient to their interests while ignoring the fundamental rights of ordinary citizens. He put the blame for formation of the Riyasti Ashrafiya, on politicians and political parties who are constitutionally responsible to rule and but failed to deliver as per the aspiration of people of Pakistan.
He suggested ways to transform the Ashrafi Pakistan into everyone’s Pakistan by ensuring personal and economic freedom to all the citizens without any discrimination. He called upon all the Pakistani classes and groupings to uphold the rule of law. He also urged them to exhort pressure so that quality social services may be guaranteed to all the citizens wherever they live in Pakistan.
Mr Sakib Sherani, CEO, Macroeconomic Insights and Former Principle Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance, Islamabad was of the view that Ashrafiya pose existential threat to the state and there dire need of bringing institutional stability along with accountability. He said bulk of state’s resources are spent on building roads and flyovers whereas very little is spent on public transport which are the very need of ordinary citizens. “Only 6 lac people in Pakistan pay voluntary income taxes which means Pakistani Ashrifya is evading taxes and contribute very little in revenue generation but extracts the major chunks of state resources” he went on to say.