By Nasim YousafSince 1947, Pakistan has faced a tumultuous history marked by political upheavals, economic difficulties, corruption, and instability, with Muhammad Ali Jinnah serving as the inaugural Governor General. The letters reveal Jinnah’s pursuit of a Cadillac super-limousine, a Lincoln, and a Beechcraft Model 34 airplane, indicating a disconnect with the nation’s crisis. Facing Pakistan’s financial crisis and a scarcity of parts and servicing facilities, the planned acquisition of aircraft and a Lincoln car had to be abandoned. Jinnah’s opulent lifestyle, devoid of personal sacrifice, inspired a societal pursuit of wealth among politicians and the public. To sum up, the ambassador and Jinnah’s letters serve as poignant reminders that reversing the challenging conditions in the nation requires a departure from opulence and a demand for leadership accountability.

Source: The Nation December 20, 2023 11:01 UTC