Transparency International’s latest report about corruption perception in Pakistan surprised many in the general public. Findings of the recently published report show that corruption during the fiscal year 2013 has come down remarkably in the country. With indications of an even brighter future, the report placed Pakistan on 127th rank out of 177 countries. In the Asian region, Pakistan ranks lower than India but is perceived to be less corrupt than Bangladesh.
The report is based on performance of the current government, whose reputation has so far been untarnished from any major corruption scandal. In the run up to general elections, Nawaz Sharif and cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan had announced a zero tolerance policy toward corruption. In a recent ugly public spat, Imran Khan’s party booted out two ministers of a coalition partner from its provincial government on graft charges.
The previous regime of the Pakistan People’s Party, which completed the country’s first-ever five-year term by an elected civilian administration, was blemished by several corruption scandals. Some of the ruling leaders gained notoriety by being involved in major scams such as allocation of LPG quota, National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) land scandal, and irregularities in Haj arrangements. The country’s apex court is pursuing two former premiers, former bureaucrats and their accomplices on charges of embezzlement of public money, corruption and money laundering. Unfortunately, the performance and reputation of several public institutions was marred during this tenure, and adversely impacted economic performance of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s improved ranking on the corruption perception index is a good omen for the country. The results are expected to attract the attention of foreign investors, who have remained on the sidelines because of the country’s poor law and order situation, terrorism, crippling energy crisis and inconsistent policies of the government. To overcome its financial difficulties, Pakistan is in dire need of attracting foreign investment in different sectors of the economy. The present government has announced a number of initiatives in various sectors to broaden the tax net and build the confidence of investors from within and outside the country.
The Transparency International report also acknowledges the role of a strong judiciary and media in the promotion of a fair and accountable system in Pakistan. While the judiciary has selectively taken suo moto notice of some massive corruption scandals, the media has played an important role in highlighting the irregularities of public institutions. However, there is a need to speed up the trial process and take strict action against those found guilty of corruption. It is imperative that state institutions are strengthened and develop the capacity to implement all laws of the land in letter and spirit.
The government should also improve controls over public dealings to ensure that no public servant is able to flaunt the applicable rules or provide undue favors in exchange for unlawful benefits. In the absence of rule of law, Pakistan will continue to bleed and the elite will have their way through abuse of power, bribery and other twisted means. On the other hand, the poor and marginalized sections of society will suffer the consequences of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and denial of other basic human rights.
