IN Pakistan, merit is a beautiful thing. Like punctual government offices or smooth traffic on Murree Road, everyone talks about it, but sightings remain rare.

We are a nation deeply committed to excellence, provided excellence knows how to flatter the boss. From ministries to universities, hospitals to boardrooms, our unofficial national curriculum has perfected a single survival skill: strategic praise. Why solve problems when you can simply compliment the chairman’s “visionary leadership” before the meeting even starts?

Sycophancy here is not just behavior; it is an ecosystem. Governments change, party flags change, uniforms change, but somewhere in every office sits a man nodding passionately at nonsense,........

© Pakistan Observer