WE, the people of Pakistan, have been hearing with irritating frequency two rather discordant narratives. The country is passing through a critical phase, we are told. And, almost in the same breath, we are told that all economic indicators are improving, and the country is on the path to progress. Which of these two tales happens to be factual, or at least closer to the truth? An even bigger conundrum is that most lives remain unaffected by any of these two accounts.

They keep moving, simply focussing on day-to-day survival.

The salaried class is taxed at an absurd rate of 45 per cent levels similar to Scandinavian countries, which at least offer free education, healthcare and social security in return. The industry is being crushed under the tax burden as well. This level of taxation only stifles productivity and encourages tax evasion and informal business practices.

No amount of taxation will fix the national economy unless the government first cuts its own extravagant expenses.

Ministers and parliamentarians continue to enjoy massive salaries, perks and travel allowances at the expense of the taxpayer.

The legislators always find time to approve increases in their own salaries. The size of the cabinet is seriously bloated. The cost of maintaining this façade of `democratic governance` runs into billions of rupees.

The government must show leadership by example. It should cut down on lavish expenditure, reduce the size of the cabinet, abolish redundant ministries, and eliminate unjustified privileges.

Only then can it justly ask the public to bear the burden of sacrifice. It is time the rulers shared the pain of the ruled.

M. Haroon Shamsi Karachi