The problem of corruption in Pakistan
(M Waji Ul Hassan, Multan)
By the word corruption we mean
that any act done by unfair means. Corruption may also be defined as illegal
bribe which is received for doing some work for some body. In the society of
man, where everything or any action is done in an unfair manner, corruption
becomes a curse.It is such a practice that it eats up the fabric of the society.
Corruption in its wider sense has always been there at all times. There has only
been a difference of degree. In monarchies the king's favor is necessary to get
things done. Now-a-days, it has been observed that if the head of the department
is not fair the whole department is involved in corrupt practices. It is said
power corrupts man. Whenever a man has power to do something which the other men
need, the doer takes some benefit out of it. As long as this benefit is
sanctioned by social laws and moral codes, it is all right. Beyond that it
becomes corruption. Corruption also flourishes through flattery.
In Pakistan today, the position is very bad. The devil of corruption is reining
every field of national activity. The unfair practice is so rampant that a
common man feels frustrated. In his disgust he exclaims that corruption is a
Curse. It has stolen our peace of mind.
The condition of government offices is very deplorable. Police, railways and
transport are the departments, which are supposed to be the servants of the
people. But you can not expect a slight action in any of these departments
without spending illegal money. An honest man cannot even get a seat in a
railway train without having to offer a bribe. It is said that the paper moves
only when some silver weight is put on it. There are many such departments where
corruption has become a norm of their life. It has gone deep down in their
flesh. They cannot think without unfair money. It is no more unfair. It has
become their right.
It is clear that unless the trend is checked, the country cannot make any
progress. It cannot achieve the goal of prosperity and self-reliance.
It is high time that the Government should rise to the occasion and take a bold
step to discard and uproot its forces, before it becomes too late for us. This
is a great challenge to all members of a good society. The long-term solution of
this problem lies in the building of a sound national character. For this
purpose we should change the entire system of education. We should make our
education ethical, moral and patriotic. Besides this we shall have to make use
of all means of propaganda viz., the press, publications, the radio and the
television to achieve this goal. We shall have to create an atmosphere where
honesty is appreciated and rewarded. These are some of the steps which can
effectively root out this evil.