Every elected government or military dictator has usurped the right to make appointments without merit
LAHORE: Every system of good governance evolved over centuries, and the three monotheistic faiths place limits on the powers of an elected government and those holding public offices. Even the powers of ceremonial monarchs in Europe where rule of law prevails are limited. The Constitution of Pakistan has very clearly defined limitations of power with the provision of checks and balances. Universally accepted ethical principles such as conflict of interest, submitting to accountability, restricting abuse or misuse of discretionary powers and strict auditing of state expenditures are as much an Islamic code as they are of any other faith. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, ever since the Quaid’s death and especially after Ayub Khan’s intervention, every successive government has fallen prey to temptation and greed with disastrous consequences, making Pakistan economically weaker by the day, compromising state sovereignty and security of lives and property of citizens and the state itself.
The Constitution guarantees equal opportunities and basic human rights to all citizens, yet every elected government or military dictator has usurped the right to make appointments without merit, granting undue favours to select groups or cronies to the collective detriment of the majority. White-collar crimes are being committed blatantly and laws broken with such impunity under the patronage of elected and paid public office holders that our documented economy is only a fraction of the black economy and unchecked flight of money from this country, plus massive tax evasion, have driven it to financial instability. Appointing those holding foreign nationalities as ambassadors of Pakistan compromises state sovereignty.
The onus should be on the citizens of Pakistan to justify vast assets held in their names within Pakistan and abroad. Unfortunately, the dual nationality facility has been abused by dishonest people holding key paid public offices, which they abuse to indulge in massive corruption. They transfer black money to foreign safe havens where their families and major assets are located. A casual survey of multi-storey buildings, hotels, palatial villas in Dubai, the UK, France, Spain and Canada is proof if any is required, provided the state has the will to hold them accountable. Even Nigeria has signed an agreement with the UAE to extradite its citizens and for access to information about properties, while international law allows any country to claim tax evaded by their citizens.
Malik Tariq Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, February 22nd, 2016.
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