Pakistan is a monarchy dressed in democracy. Why else a country under billions of dollars of loans would buy two aircraft at more than the cost that national airline was sold. There can be no austerity unless the democracy won’t stop behaving like a kingdom where the Kings, the nobles and the clergy are exempted from taxation and the middle class and the poor rot under an environment that offers nothing but exploitation
The government, under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, has recently called upon the nation to adopt austerity measures. Citizens have been urged to reduce expenditures, work from home where possible, observe additional non-working days, limit fuel consumption, avoid purchasing new cars, restrict foreign travel, and curtail lavish gatherings in hotels. While these measures signal seriousness about managing the country’s economic challenges, the real question remains: will austerity begin where it matters most-within the corridors of power? Pakistan’s economic difficulties are not merely the result of external pressures or resource constraints. A significant part of the problem lies in intellectual dishonesty and institutional contradictions that undermine genuine reform. One of the most glaring examples is the widespread practice of post-retirement reappointments of senior officials. In Pakistan, the official retirement age in most government services is 60 years. The rationale behind retirement policies is clear: to allow fresh talent to enter the system, encourage institutional renewal, and maintain administrative efficiency. However, this principle is routinely bypassed. In many cases, senior officers retire and begin receiving pensions-often around five hundred thousand rupees per month or more depending on their grade and years of service. Yet, shortly after retirement, the same officers are reappointed on lucrative contracts, sometimes drawing salaries ranging from one million to four million rupees per month, often with additional benefits such as official vehicles, staff, and other privileges. This practice raises serious questions of fairness and fiscal responsibility.
If an officer has already reached retirement age and is receiving a substantial pension from the national exchequer, what is the justification for paying such extraordinarily high salaries again from public funds? Retirement exists for a reason. At that stage of life, most individuals understandably have reduced energy and capacity compared to younger professionals waiting for opportunities to serve. Moreover, these contract appointments block career progression for younger officers and perpetuate a culture where influence and connections matter more than merit or institutional continuity. The financial implications are also significant. When hundreds of such appointments exist across ministries, regulatory authorities, and state-owned enterprises, the cumulative burden runs into millions-if not billions-of rupees annually. In a country struggling with debt, inflation, and fiscal deficits, this is difficult to justify. If the government truly wishes to promote austerity, reforms must begin here practical and fair policy could include the following:
Strict limits on post-retirement appointments.
= A cap on contract salaries, ensuring that no individual receiving a government pension is paid more than pension. Alternatively, retirement age may be enhanced to 65 years
= Elimination of additional perks such as luxury vehicles, multiple staff members, and excessive allowances.
= Preference for younger professionals to fill leadership positions and bring fresh ideas into governance.
= No one should be paid more than one million including pension
Such measures would not only generate significant financial savings but would also restore public confidence in the government’s commitment to fairness and accountability.
Austerity cannot succeed if it is perceived as a burden only for ordinary citizens while privileges at the top remain untouched. True leadership requires setting an example. When the ruling elite demonstrates restraint and discipline, the nation is far more willing to follow. Pakistan does not lack capable people or resources. What it needs most is honest policy implementation and the courage to reform entrenched practices. If austerity is to be meaningful, it must begin where the spending is greatest-at the top of the system.
