Tainted trip

PM Imran Khan is generally perceived as a man of integrity, sincere in his aim to turn a dysfunctional Pakistan into a prosperous welfare state. Thus, it came as a shock when he stated that his visit to Davos was sponsored by old friends. The office of the PM is a constitutional office which carries with it immense executive powers and clout. Therefore, when two individuals involved in commercial business and contracts offer to sponsor his official trip, it raises suspicions . Perhaps it is a combination of poor advice and naivete that led to this regrettable occurrence. The PM must exercise a lot of discretion, even when getting involved in fund raising for philanthropic purposes, ensuring that those who sponsor him are above board and don’t have any conflicts of interest.

Those who sponsored this trip must restrain from doing any business with the federal or provincial governments, to save the PM from embarrassment and mudslinging at the hands of his political opponents. There is no such thing as a ‘free breakfast’, especially from those involved in commercial ventures.

T A Malik

Lahore