Corruption and politics in Pakistan are almost synonymous. Since the inception of Pakistan, the so-called democratically elected representatives have had a field day in plundering national wealth in the absence of a strong and transparent accountability system.
These politicians and their accomplices have formed a close nexus to cripple the country’s political structure, economic progress and public institutions. Political dynasties with a cult following, and often coercive tactics, have firmly held onto power and discouraged the young and educated from making serious political contributions. Even when successive governments have intervened to introduce anti-corruption efforts, such as setting up the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), these actions have been dismissed as being politically motivated and targeted against political rivals.
While corruption remains a deep-rooted problem in Pakistan, the free and powerful local media, with the support of an active movement for independence of judiciary, has exposed several official corruption cases and given some credibility to the fight against corruption in past few years. Recently, the Supreme Court reprimanded the NAB for failing to investigate major scandals and wasting national resources on petty cases.
The apex court rapped the bureau for its “poor performance” and weak resolve to rid the country of corruption. On directives of the court, the NAB has filed a list of 150 mega corruption scandals for further investigation.
It is unfortunate, but not very surprising for many, that the perpetrators of these major scams include several high profile figures, including the current Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, former president, ministers and other top bureaucrats. The political leaders entrusted to promote rule of law and equity in the society have been named and shamed as worst offenders to taint Pakistan’s democracy.
The coming days remain crucial for the credibility and survival of NAB. If the anti-graft body fails to take stern action against these influential and corrupt political and business figures of the country, its existence could come under even closer scrutiny by the courts.
To restore NAB’s trust and credibility, it is important that all corrupt culprits are persecuted without any bias, the action should be indiscriminate and without any exception. This means that the NAB should first cleanse itself from the inside. Some officials in the current NAB setup and previous chairmen have been known to illegally acquire wealth and evade taxes.
With its own house in shambles, no one can expect the organization to place a priority on pursuing cases involving the corrupt leaders. Further, impartial action should also be initiated against corrupt elements in the country’s military and judiciary, who have for long held the reputation of being sacred cows.
By fairly applying the standards of honesty and integrity across all institutions, the NAB can regain confidence of people and justify its being.
The SC-backed anti-corruption drive places Pakistan at a crucial juncture of promoting accountability, good governance and establishing rule of law.
For a more promising future, it is essential that there is commitment from the political forces to implement court orders and strengthen state institutions to serve justice to the people of Pakistan.
At this moment, strong political will seems to be missing link in this puzzle that could prove to be a show stopper for the country’s new beginning.
