Hafeez Ahmed Khan
In the context of Pakistan, the elite can be broadly categorized as those who wield significant power, wealth, or social status. This includes influential politicians, high-ranking bureaucrats, business tycoons, and even some landed gentry. Their elevated position fosters a culture of entitlement, a belief that they are deserving of special privileges and are exempt from the rules that bind ordinary citizens.
This sense of entitlement manifests in various ways. One way is the expectation of preferential treatment. As seen in the Aitchison College case, the bureaucrat’s wife felt justified in demanding a fee waiver despite the established policy. The elite often believes their connections or social standing entitle them to bypass procedures or receive concessions denied to others.
Another facet of elite entitlement is a sense of impunity. They may view themselves as untouchable, believing that their wealth or influence shields them from consequences. This can lead to a disregard for laws and regulations, fostering a climate of corruption and abuse of power. Traffic violations, land grabbing, and manipulation of the legal system are just a few examples.
Furthermore, the culture of entitlement breeds a sense of detachment from the realities faced by ordinary citizens. The elite often live in gated communities or privileged bubbles, insulated from the daily struggles of most Pakistanis. This lack of empathy fuels social resentment and widens the gap between the haves and have-nots.
The pervasiveness of elite entitlement has a detrimental impact on Pakistan’s justice and value systems. When the elite bend or break rules with impunity, it undermines the very foundation of a just society. The rule of law, which dictates that everyone is equal before the law, loses its meaning. This discourages ordinary citizens from following the law if they see those in power flouting it with no repercussions.
A society that rewards connections over competence discourages hard work and innovation. When elite offspring secure coveted positions based on their family name rather than merit, it demoralizes those who strive to climb the social ladder through hard work.
The constant display of privilege by the elite fuels public cynicism and frustration. Citizens lose faith in the system and the possibility of upward mobility when they see those in power playing by a different set of rules.
A society where a select few enjoy undue advantages creates a sense of alienation and resentment among the masses. This can lead to social unrest and hinder national progress.
The Aitchison College incident serves as a stark illustration of these issues. It highlights how the actions of a few can erode public trust and weaken the social fabric. Pakistan’s fight for a more just and equitable society hinges on dismantling this culture of entitlement and ensuring that the rules apply to all, regardless of social standing.
The recent resignation of Aitchison College Lahore’s principal, Michal A. Thomson, has ignited a firestorm in Pakistan, laying bare the pervasive issue of elite entitlement and its corrosive impact on society. The incident, sparked by a seemingly trivial request for a fee waiver, exposes a much larger problem: a culture where the privileged believe they are above the rules.
Media reports detail how the wife of a federal minister, a civil servant herself, requested a leave of absence and fee waiver for her sons upon her transfer to Islamabad. While the leave request was understandable, the demand for a fee waiver despite established school policy highlights the sense of entitlement. The argument of not being able to afford two schools doesn’t hold weight when the fee waiver for Aitchison was a privilege, not a right.
The tipping point came when the bureaucrat bypassed the school administration and secured a complete fee waiver for three years directly from the governor. This blatant disregard for established procedures exposes a system where political influence trumps rules. Principal Thomson, a staunch advocate for fairness, found this preferential treatment unacceptable.
Thomson’s resignation letter resonated with many. His words, highlighting the difference between compassion and “blatant policy manufacturing,” struck a chord with ordinary citizens who face the brunt of such elitism. His stance makes it clear that institutions like schools should be bastions of merit and fairness, not playgrounds for the privileged.
The ensuing controversy forced the government into damage control mode. Appeals for Thomson to stay and public support for him showcase a growing intolerance for such entitlement. This incident presents an opportunity for civil society to rally behind individuals like Thomson who choose to uphold principles over privilege.
Thomson’s potential return or future departure holds significance. His actions set a precedent for resisting political pressure and upholding ethical standards. The fight against elite entitlement extends beyond Aitchison College. It’s a national struggle for a level playing field where rules apply to all, regardless of social standing.
The Aitchison College incident serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issue of elite entitlement in Pakistan. It’s a call for introspection and a fight for a more equitable society. Thomson’s stand, while seemingly a small act, has the potential to spark a larger movement for change.
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