There is ample evidence to suggest that most of our population does not understand the negative impact of corruption
ISLAMABAD: December 9 was observed recently as the International Anti-Corruption Day. Like the rest of the world, it was marked in Pakistan, with full-page advertisements, some street banners and a few seminars — heavy on rhetoric and short on substance. Pakistan ranks 126 among 174 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. I will venture to predict that few people among us think these measures will result in any significant positive change. Corruption has been singled out by almost every study ever conducted as one of the most significant impediments to national growth and reform. However, it is an endemic and chronic part of our Indian sub-continental culture and society from the days of the Raj, the Mughal era and prior. By one estimate, the region of South Asia, which accounts for five per cent of the world’s land area, accounts for 40 per cent of the world’s poor. The need for inclusive economic growth and reform has never been greater. To seriously take on corruption requires broad support and participation by the public at large. This is not possible without a national-level sustained campaign to educate people on why this is necessary. There is ample evidence to suggest that most of our population does not understand the negative impact of corruption or even what it is.
Critics would say the consequences of corruption are self-evident, but I question this when I see widespread condoning of such practices in everyday life. We seem to have dropped civic studies from our curriculum that taught our generations prior to the Zia regime about social responsibilities and fair play. Government-sponsored banners and television advertisements that remind us of religious consequences of corruption seem to have disappeared. Street campaigns tell us to “say no to corruption” without telling us why. Anybody who thinks banners alone are going to make any calculable difference is an optimistic outlier. As any political scientist will tell you, inciting people to action requires building understanding and spreading messages that appeal to their nationalism, economic welfare, ethics, religious persuasions or emotions. Where is the awareness campaign to teach people what corruption is and how it hurts society? If it is not needed, why are people continuing to fuel it in the system and putting their faith in politicians and leaders who are known to be corrupt? A sustained and holistic awareness campaign leading to broad support and systemic reform of political and state institutions is the need of the hour.
Zulfiqar Qazilbash
Published in The Express Tribune, December 11th, 2015.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
