THE alarming increase of corruption has assumed the shape of a deadly disease. Through its persistent prevalence certain evils are increasingly being accepted as a norm.
Corruption is an obstacle to broad-based economic growth and equitable distribution of wealth among the masses.
Bureaucracy is the main culprit for rampant corruption in the country. Formation of an impartial body which could act independently to put a check on corruption is the need of the hour.
It will not be wiped out with mere salary increase. Low emolument is not the reason for corruption in our bureaucracy, but it is lack of conscience that matters the most.The lack of fear of God and a dead conscience lead them to justify their corruption.People at the helm of affairs in Pakistan consider themselves to be Pharaohs.
They misbehave with the people which results in corruption, inflation, injustice, poverty, uneven opportunities, lack of education, lack of health/transport/civic facilities, etc.
Preventive measures include developing a society that every person is committed to and provides opportunities and compensation on an equal footing.
Corruption has to be addressed at the top level. There should be close collaboration between the government, stakeholders, media, judiciary, parliamentarians and the business community to fight against corruption.
Honest people should be entrusted in selection and recruitment in the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) and the provincial Public Service Commission in order to recruit officials on merit so that taxpayers’ money should not be wasted in corrupt activities.
If only the government could succeed in controlling corruption at large and non-development expenditure, there is no reason why it should shed crocodile tears over the paucity of funds.
The media should play an important role in creating awareness against bribery and corruption to save society as a whole from its bad effects.
People who are appointed to high public offices should lead a simple life and should dwell in a house sufficient for him and his family, instead of leading a princely life in spacious houses.
Reducing dearness, unemployment and not allowing the use of discretionary powers can be helpful in preventing bribery.
Salary of employees should be increased and the size of the bureaucracy should be reduced.
It is imperative to play the role of a whistleblower against corruption. A long-term approach is necessary to curb corruption and as a first step the government should act as a role model.
The only way to get out of the present crisis is to hold free and fair election and select people who may restore the self-esteem of Pakistanis in the eyes of the world. We need a leader who could root out corruption and lay the foundations of a new Pakistan.
S. A. KHOKHARLahore
PoliticsTHIS is apropos of a news report, ‘Pay Commission calls for doing away with salary distortion’ (Oct 20). The intention behind all working strategies is reformatory but the implementation of all good policies falls in the hands of corrupt officers who are partial to political forces in power. Every policy these days is cosmetic. In building Pakistan a sense of focused ideology, commitment and personal sacrifices is required which is nowhere to be found.
Most bureaucrats today are different from people in service 30 years ago. I have firsthand experience, as my father who is fighting a lone battle on principles is standing his ground. His batch-mates are in grade 22, whereas he is still in grade 20 since the past four years.
Can bureaucrats assume the role referred to by the Quaid in his historic speech in Dhaka on March 25, 1948? If not then who will bell the cat?
FATIMA SALEEM BUTT Karachi