Source: Christian Science Monitor/AP
Last week, an article in the Huffington Post reported that Pakistan’s government has approved an $11 million statue of Benazir Bhutto. The Huff Po piece cited a Gulf Times report, which noted, “This would be the second monument constructed in the capital city during the last four years.”
Wait. Let me get this straight. Pakistan is suffering from over a month of flooding – the worst natural disaster in decades – that has impacted over 20 million people, and we are spending millions on statues?
If this Gulf Times report is correct, then that is exactly what is happening. According to Shirin Sadeghi at the Huff Po, “The statue itself will cost 4.7 million dollars, and it will be built on land that is worth another 5.9 million dollars. Apparently, Mr. Zardari, whose personal wealth is estimated to be more than 1 billion dollars, just couldn’t afford to donate the land or the statue in honor of the mother of his children.”
But here’s the real question – if the alleged $11 million is coming from taxpayers money, then why didn’t the government previously direct such funds towards flood-affected families? More importantly, the late Benazir Bhutto always at least claimed to be a populist leader. In the spirit of her memory, wouldn’t it therefore make a lot more sense to use that exorbitant amount of money for the people of Pakistan?
Apparently not.
Recently, the Pakistan Consulate in New York City wasted an opportunity to appeal for donations for the flood-affected people in Pakistan on the NASDAQ screen in Time Square. Instead of broadcasting images of the tragedy or messages about the floods, the Consulate showcased photos of bureaucrats standing in front of the Pakistani flag, which flashed on the giant screen. Between that, Gilani‘s visits to fake relief camps, and this new proposed statue, I am increasingly disgusted with our government and their inability to shed more than crocodile tears for the citizens of Pakistan.
(NASDAQ-related story starts about 1:35 in):
Have you seen coverage regarding this statue in any Pakistani newspapers?
I haven’t which is pretty interesting – it’s why I prefaced the Gulf Times report with all the “alleged”s and “if this is true”. Why do you think it’s not covered?
I feel so ill when I read these things.
I was hoping there was no coverage because this was a joke. Keep us posted!
Here’s the latest column by Kamran Shafi:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/columnists/kamran-shafi-benazir-doesnt-need-a-monument-490
And ah-HA, Dawn’s coverage:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/local/islamabad/benazir-monument-plan-approved-180
I guess this is true….
Looks like the funding is coming out of the Ministry of Culture’s budget.
Sounds like Pakistan needs a Tea Party of its own to put pressure on the government over ridiculous government expenditures.
Im so glad you posted this. What a vile display of judgement during a critical time for the citizens of Pakistan. I found it especially disgusting hearing about how the citizens of the Pakistan(on average earning less than 1000 dollars per year) are subsidizing the statue. This is an excellent example of how to alienate your nation, lose the sympathy of world leaders, and become the object of ridicule everywhere.
Truly disgusting.
Link for the petition was on Huff Po-just signed it.
http://www.petitiononline.com/flood786/petition.html
[...] capital city during the last four years.” Wait. Let me get this […] Read more at: CHUP! – Changing Up Pakistan 1 billion dollars, amount of money, benazir bhutto, bureaucrats, christian science monitor, [...]
Icons and statues are marabots in Islam! Pakistan shall
continue to distort the Sunah! Benazir did allot for Islam
this why her children. Secular along the horrible job Zardari
is doing. What next, Jama Masjid for Benazir. Shia’s are
angered with the harassment. From Sunni majority __Bhutto’s use Islam as political. Usuage if build someone,
shall destroy it eventuallly. Kalsoom this waste of effort!
Kalsoom,
I have been reading your blog for quite a while but you seem to be missing the plot when it comes to PPP, Benazir and Zardari.
You allege that Benazir was a populist leader but I am unable to come up with one policy during her time that was populist. In fact, while I was in Khi during the military operation of her time, her party was busy spending public money on putting images of her.
In retrospect, this is exactly what Benazir would have done and Zardari is living her dream.
Sonia,
I was being facetious – note that I said “claimed to be” a populist leader, not that she actually was. The reality was far from the truth, as you noted.
Thumbs up! seriously they are really changing Pakistan… up side Down!!
This is our country where we work for dead persons only not for needy once. If you want your rights then you have to die first. We don’t work for people who are alive we only work for dead people.
Thanks for trying to dig out the background/truth to this $11 million statue. I was wondering about it myself. And this NASDAQ story is truly embarrassing– posting photos of yourself is an amateur stunt I’ve seen before but I would never expect it from a consulate.
Apparently the government put the request in 2 years ago and it was just approved – with or without the floods, spending $11 million on a statue is absolutely ridiculous. Apparently the govt has now also said they wont build it because of the floods but the bottom line is still the same.
Actually the NASDAQ story has been proven to be fake. Here is what actually happened.
http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/1603/what-really-happened-at-nasdaq/
Thank you for sharing that – I was about to. Also see:
Press Release
http://www.nasdaq.com/marketsite/marketsite-events-detail.aspx?fn=201008-close08252010.txt
Video of Mr. Babar’s address
http://mktvideo.nasdaq.com/MarketSiteOpenCloseVideos/201008/mc_082510.wmv
To all the people who want to find out about how closing bell ceremonies work, here is the link:
http://www.nasdaq.com/marketsite/closing_bell/event.html
Wonder if you’ve seen this: http://www.thenews.com.pk/17-09-2010/National/5127.htm
Just wanted to give you at least one reason for not being disgusted (may be just by the person who started this). The NASDAQ news has been making the rounds. However, all the facts are not being delivered. I guess it is just another trigger happy journalist who did not do the proper research.
The sign reads “NASDAQ welcomes Consulate general of Pakistan to New York” and is a standard display for bell closing events, when ever some one special is asked to come by.
The Consul General had no say over what went on the board.
Nawaz territory see, PPP are not economically. Accepted in certain parts of
the Ummah PLM-N and PLM-Q. Apparently, seeked financial assitance from Dubai and Tunisia. Against the concept why no statues in Islam. Hey, this Pakistan the nation of Marabots. Whom misguide the majority time for change. Allah going make strong encomic Pakistan soon! IshAllah!