Rooting out corruption... By Fazal
18 February, 2013
Corruption is a menace that has been devouring Pakistan's ability to stand on its own feet. It deprives its people of the opportunity to relish the fruits of progress and prosperity that they so genuinely deserve. This menace has seeped into the roots of almost every strata of our society, like a cancer. If immediate and stringent measures are not taken to uproot it from every level of Pakistani society, it might put the very existence of this country at stake. It is an undeniable fact that hundreds of billions of dollars have come into the country in the form of aid for the past six and a half decades. It is also true that equally large amounts were taken as loans (at exorbitant interest rates) from the developed world by successive governments during this period. Had this money been honestly and judiciously utilised for the purpose it was taken, Pakistan and Pakistani society would perhaps have stood out conspicuously in the map of developed societies around the world. It would also have enjoyed the fruits of progress and prosperity, which developed societies of the world are enjoying today. Since this has not happened, the situation today is contrary to what it actually should have been. Even after 65 years of our existence, we continue to shamelessly hold the begging bowl in our hands, as firmly as ever, and beg for our needs and necessities from the developed world. Where has all this money disappeared to, after all? Where else — it has gone into the personal kitties of successive plundering rulers of this country. People at the helm have always flagrantly disregarded the value of this country and have always compromised its prestige and honour. They have done so because personal interests and gains have always been very dear to them, and the country and its people have always figured very low in their roster of priorities. Even today, when the country is almost at the brink of collapse and everything is in a state of total disarray, they seem to be least perturbed. Undoubtedly, steering Pakistan out of the deep morass that it is in today should be a top priority for every concerned citizen of this country. That corruption should be completely eliminated from every segment of society is the burning desire of this nation. That this country should become a bastion of progress and prosperity is a goal that the masses of Pakistan have been dreaming of since its very creation. Will their aspirations to see their country prosper ever be fulfilled? Will they ever be able to enjoy the benefits of prosperity they have been longing for since the creation of this country? No, not until the menace of corruption is completely rooted out from this society. The most effective way to deal with the menace of corruption is to immediately table and pass legislation against corruption in parliament and ensure its stringent implementation by the rejuvenated judiciary in Pakistan and an effective police force. This may seem to be a far cry but, indisputably, this is what the salvation of this country strongly depends upon. M FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad
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