THE MOTHER OF ALL ILLS IN
PAKISTAN IS CORRUPTION
According to Transparency International corruption is the abuse of entrusted
power for private gain, it hurts everyone who depends on the integrity of
people in a position of authority. Corruption is a curse amongst Muslims,
especially the so called educated and intelligentsia. Unfortunately, it is
this class that is selfish and morally and intellectually corrupt. No doubt
this disease is common, but amongst this particular class of Muslims it is
rampant. The great founder of our country about whom Stanley Waldport said,
fewer individuals significantly altered the course of the history, fewer did
change the map of the world, hardly anyone can be credited with creating a
nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah did all three. The most pertinent question
arises here that why he emphasized so much on this societal evil of which we
are victim is that he knew well that Corruption is a true enemy to
development.
If you have a glimpse at great human civilizations, from the Roman Empire to
the Soviet Union, you will see that most do not fail simply due to external
threats but because of internal weakness, corruption, or a failure to
manifest the values and ideals they espouse. No nation in the globe dies of
poverty or hunger but by one of the major ills of the democracy i.e.;
corruption.
It is a matter of grave concern that corruption has deeply permeated in
every strata of our society.It has become synonymous with our existing
system and is pushing our nation to a dead end. Favoritism, nepotism,
misappropriation of public fund, bad debts and misuse of power are on the
rise. Corruption has gained roots in our society because of wrong decisions
and weak policies of the successive governments. The agencies responsible
for checking corruption have completely failed in their mission. Thus
accountability seems non-existent. First of all we must define the
corruption. Apparently, it would look like suspicious financial transaction
alone. But that is too narrow view. Corruption today has become a way of
life and it encompasses the ideological, moral and ethical values of
society. It has become a part of our culture.
Acquiring power is the purpose of corruption, since power is needed to
prevail over other persons. When succeeding, power is acquired, and its
desirability causes the behavior to be repeated.
The positive rewards are the acquisition of wealth, power and dominance. The
act of corruption thus becomes so automatic in the human brain that it
escapes the awareness of the perpetrator of corruption. Corruption in
Pakistan comes in as many forms as there could be. It comes in the form of
bribery receiving and giving. It exists in the show of power and influence
through real and concocted relationships with people in authority and the
gains they can obtain from others. The worst form of corruption is
intellectual and professional dishonesty to please or benefit a few
individual at the cost of others.
The major reason of fast creeping corruption are political instability,
poverty, unequal structure of society, unemployment, lack of accountability,
weak political institutions and absence of rule of law. Resultant they are
affecting political stability, equal distribution of resources and power,
confidence of local and foreign investors and political institutions.
If we want to kill corruption at grass root level, we will have to cap those
cavities where the virus of corruption nourished. If we confine ourselves to
the systems alone, we will, at the most, be applying cosmetic treatment. It
merely touches the tip of the iceberg. For a more lasting solution we will
have to adopt effective measures to check corruption. Some of them (given
below) can be helpful in reducing it if not uprooting it. People should be
made aware of their rights. By providing general awareness to the masses,
the chances of grabbing money from the people lower to the minimum.
Institutions should be made strong for proper working of the democratic
system. Proper system of accountability and check and balance should be
implemented. Red tapism is the major cause of corruption and e-governance is
the best solution for this solving this problem. Anti-social activities
should be condemned and resisted. Justice delayed is justice denied. In time
justice can minimize corruption practices, Salaries and wages should be
increased in order to decrease the chances of corruption. The unemployed
class should be provided jobs and recruited purely on merit. Education
system must be revised and improved according to national needs. Stable
governments are essential to prevail justice and to uproot
corruption.Moreover, the laws must be made strict and their implementation
be ensured. Unfortunately, Pakistan is a land of laws which are never
implemented. One thing must be given preference that it is not the severity
of punishment but the certainty of punishment that matters. Such practices
put the things in order and in right directions. Therefore, strict
implementation of laws is the only way forward. China after the empowerment
of communist party, paved this way for a cause of change.
Corruption is social curse that must be ditched. The lawmakers in the
parliament must take stringent efforts and evolve practicable strategies to
eradicate the mushrooming menace. Rule of law, supremacy of the constitution
and independence of judiciary and off course a free and vibrant media being
the fourth pillar of the state, must be implemented in true letter and
spirit. The accused must be given a cold fist. Time is ripe that drastic
measures be taken to get rid of this tsunami of corruption that undoubtedly
has torn and destructed our very social and economic fabric. Enough of
apathy and negligence, the need of the hour is to join hands on all fronts
by all members and areas of society to ouster this curse. If Pakistan wants
to run in the race of socio economic development, evils like corruption do
not fit in the scenario.
To curb this menace Parthia Patel said Corruption is the enemy of
development, and of good governance. It must be got rid of. Both the
government and the people at large must come together to achieve this
national objective.