THIS is apropos of Irfan Husain’s article ‘Free advice for Imran Khan’ (Sept 1). The writer has stated that Imran Khan’s declaration that he will eradicate corruption in 90 days is impossible to achieve.

I agree that complete eradication of corruption is not possible in 90 days or even in a longer period, for no country is completely free from corruption.

There have been mega corruption cases in highly developed countries like Japan and South Korea. The US, the UK, and other developed countries we like to emulate are not totally corruption-free.

He is also right in stating that our system of governance is so deeply ingrained with corruption that it will require a herculean effort and a leader with steel will power and nerves to eradicate it completely in a short time.

I, however, do not agree with his statement that no ruler has the capacity to eradicate corruption in a single lifetime. I think it is very much possible to reduce corruption considerably in 90 days provided Imran Khan collects a scrupulously honest, determined and devoted team of advisers, ministers and state functionaries.

If the top is scrupulously honest and sincere with full dedication to nation-building and the leader himself does not compromise and does not allow his party men, advisers and state functionaries to get involved in malpractices, then corruption can be eliminated to a great extent.

The writer has very aptly stated that there are bureaucratic, political and business mafias which are encouraging and patronising corruption. Agreed, but if Imran Khan can stop the flow of corruption from top to bottom, it will make a lot of difference. After all, water flows down stream, so does corruption.

Having spent all my working life as a bureaucrat at senior and junior levels, I can identify two main factors which promote corruption. First, it is the low salary structure of the government officials and, second, the mindset of bureaucrats, especially at senior levels, who easily succumb to political and financial pressures to keep their cushy jobs.

If Imran Khan can change the salary structure and provide service security and better service conditions to honest and upright civil servants, he will win half the battle, coupled with his personal example, fellow party leaders and state functionaries which he will appoint if he comes to power.

I can say with authority that there have been and still are a few honest, hardworking and upright officers who have and can take a stand on principles against all pressures.

I myself have taken a stand on principles a few times and have got away with minor punishments like a transfer or becoming an OSD, which is hardly a punishment for an honest and upright officer.

If you are on the right, there is very little a corrupt minister or senior can do to you. This has to be inculcated in the bureaucrats and state officials so that they can withstand pressures.

As regards the writer’s reference to corruption in the armed forces, these are disciplined forces and a strong leader and a firm commander can easily put a stop to corruption in them.

I think Imran Khan should not get discouraged by apprehensions of prophets of doom and be determined to eradicate corruption in 90 days. Even if he can reduce corruption by 50 per cent in 90 days or even 180 days, it will be a great achievement.

ZAHEER AHMEDIslamabad