By Mian Iftikhar Ramay
When I arrived at the office and turned on my system, the first news I saw was quite surprising. PML-N MPA Arshad Malik from Sahiwal has reportedly demanded that the portrait of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif be placed on the Rs5,000 currency note, arguing that he played a role in making Pakistan a nuclear power.
This statement, made in the Punjab Assembly, gives the impression that excessive praise and flattery have overshadowed objective reasoning.
The lawmaker, in what appears to be an emotional remark, seemingly overlooked the fact that Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan is widely regarded as the key figure behind Pakistan’s nuclear programme. Dr. A.Q. Khan is remembered as a national hero for his contribution to strengthening Pakistan’s defence capabilities, earning him recognition as the “father of Pakistan’s atomic programme”.
Currency notes represent the collective identity and ownership of an entire nation. Featuring political figures on them can make currency controversial and may create divisions among different political groups and sections of society.
For this reason, national currency is generally not used as a platform for political promotion or publicity. Many stable democracies maintain that currency should serve as an economic instrument and instead highlight national heritage, cultural symbols, historical landmarks or scientific achievements.
In Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the country, appears on currency notes as a symbol of national unity and identity. While political leaders may have their own place in history, using currency for political representation risks undermining its neutrality and symbolic value.
Many developed democracies, including the United States, United Kingdom and European countries, typically avoid placing contemporary political leaders on currency. Instead, they feature national landmarks, historical figures, scientists and cultural symbols to maintain neutrality and avoid political controversy.
In some countries, laws even prohibit the depiction of political leaders on currency notes to ensure a clear separation between economic instruments and political influence.
In this context, the recent statement by PML-N MPA Arshad Malik has sparked debate and, according to critics, should be reconsidered in order to avoid unnecessary controversy and maintain respect for national symbols.