THIS is apropos the advertisement (April 19) seeking services of firms to arrange the inauguration ceremony of Nandipur power project. The requirements include a host of items like marquee for 1,000 guests, carpeting, airconditioning, catering and so on. My question is, does it behove us as a cash-strapped country to indulge in such extravaganza?

The ordinary Pakistani is suffering enough on account of loadshedding and ever-increasing electricity cost. Where is the money going to come from for this five-star inauguration arrangement?

Obviously all such expenses are added to the cost of electricity that is ultimately borne by consumers. What sort of message it sends to the people — that while they are burdened with rising prices of daily-use items, their elected reps are enjoying at their expense. My request to the prime minister is to stop such a pomp-and-show affair and instead hold a simple austere inauguration if at all one is necessary.

Mohammad Samiullah
Lahore