Jamat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, who has a United States bounty of 10 million dollars on his head, has said those enjoying government perks in Pakistan are not only violating the Constitution, but also principles outlined in Islam.
Saeed, who founded the Lashkar-e-Tayiba, filed a petition before the Lahore high court challenging the 'VIP culture' for officials enjoying the top-most government posts in the country.
Saeed, in his petition, said all public functionaries who are "living like kings and princes in palatial government houses" are committing a grave violation of Sunna of the holy Prophet, who preached humility, modesty and contentment with available resources. They are also guilty of direct contravention of the dictates of the Constitution of Pakistan, he said.
He said provisions of the constitution should be implemented to convert ''public rulers'' into ''public servants''.
The petition went on to identify serving commissioners who all lived in huge houses. As reference, he pointed to the residence of the British prime minister -- a small four-bedroom house built in the 17th century.
Saeed contested that the way the British prime minister lives is ''truly Islamic'' and follows the guidelines enshrined in the Sunnah of the Prophet.
Giving details of expenses of different government functionaries, the petition said that staff, household and allowances of the president amounted to Rs 1 million per day, prime minister's secretariat Rs 1.2 million per day, the National Assembly Rs 4 million per day, Senate Rs 2 million per day and the cabinet secretariat Rs 200 million per day.
