Prominent journalist Azaz Syed recently took to Twitter to shed light on a critical issue affecting Pakistan’s business landscape. He pointed out that one of the significant reasons for the stagnation in business activities is the deteriorating government accountability system overseeing the business sector.

Syed highlighted the excessive powers granted to magistrates, which include imposing hefty fines and the immediate sealing of multi-billion rupee businesses. He cited a recent incident at a hotel in Rawalpindi, where a magistrate’s actions epitomized the flawed system. According to Syed, the magistrate sent a constable to inquire about the price of bread, which the hotel had set at 25 rupees, reflecting its costs and customer base.

Upon learning the price, the magistrate issued a challan, prompting the hotel manager to call the owner to settle it. Allegedly, the magistrate, in a fit of anger, took drastic measures against the hotel, highlighting the arbitrary use of power that businesses face.

Syed’s tweet underscores the urgent need for reform in the accountability mechanisms to foster a more conducive environment for business growth and stability in Pakistan.

https://x.com/AzazSyed/status/1794411387206156556?t=4adHJ2gx3FGqUF8NqG5MTg&s=08