THE FIA probe into the organised corruption by the elite of Pakistan which has transferred billions abroad and bought expensive properties in Dubai, will be another exercise in futility.

Such investigations have never benefited the national cause. What can be a bigger incentive for corruption than governments which allow public office holders, who have amassed billions in kickbacks and commissions to abandon Pakistan lock stock and barrel to settle abroad.

Gross irregularities have been regularised in this country by coercion and abuse of powers. State lands were allotted to individuals who did nothing but perform the services that they were paid for. Loopholes have been intentionally crafted into policies to defiantly facilitate transfer billions out of Pakistan. What else can we expect when the state continues to appoint individuals to important posts in key financial and regularity agencies even though they have pledged an oath of loyalty to another country?

Pakistan’s interests require strict implementation of existing laws to punish tax evasion irrespective of political affiliation.

A. A. Malik

Dubai

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2015

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