AMONG the comity of nations, Sweden stands out for its high standard of living, technological innovations (Spotify, Minecraft, Skype, Saab, Volvo, Ikea), outstanding environmental activists like Greta Thunberg and famous artists like ABBA. It hosts the world’s most gifted minds every year for the award of the Nobel Prize, a tradition that has continued since 1901.

What makes Sweden a huge success story and one of the most developed countries in the world? The answer lies in the high standards of ethics, austerity and accountability of public money exercised by its political leaders. When it comes to the salaries, perks and privileges of parliamentarians, Sweden and Pakistan are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Sweden is often called a country where politicians have little pay and no privileges. Pakistan, on the other hand, has politicians who ruthlessly devour taxpayers’ resources — bestowing limitless perks and privileges upon themselves. The following paragraphs explain the reasons for Pakistan’s poverty and the lessons it could learn from Sweden.

The prime minister of Pakistan, a country mired in debt and poverty, lives in a palatial house spread over 12,000 square yards. The prime minister of Sweden........

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