ISLAMABAD:
Flattery and hypocrisy are as poisonous as corruption. Both weaken the roots of any state as white ants eat the roots of a strong tree. Unfortunately, in our country flattery and hypocrisy seem to be the best tools to proposer. The main reason for this is that we never had true democracy in our country. Rather, we have dynastic politics where being loyal to the king is the trait most rewarded.
In a democracy, people are like the trunks and roots of a tree. Democracy needs to grow from the grassroots level. Our democratically elected governments do not allow the local governments to prosper. Their lust for power and money never allows them to relinquish power to the people. They run political parties like personal corporations. Leaders of various parties are chosen based on personal likes and obedience to the family dynasty. All “democratic” governments of Pakistan have either resisted holding the local body election or kept the local bodies completely toothless through legislation that takes away funds and power from them.
The irony is that we saw the best efforts to give power to the people during the times of General Musharraf, who was a dictator. The elected governments since then have worked day in and day out to undo the local government system in order to keep a grip on development funds and to keep politics revolving around their families and aides. This allows them to ensure the loyalty of local influentials and to enjoy the fruits of corruption. Until we bring true democracy, flattery, hypocrisy, and corruption will flourish and we will never see the path of development and strength.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2021.
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