KARACHI:
People in Sindh are routinely being fleeced by corrupt officials sitting in almost all government departments and offices. Those approaching these various offices for the issuance of sale certificates, registration of properties or other lawful revenue-related matters are often coerced into paying illegal gratification. In case of refusal, their legitimate work is deliberately delayed or denied on one pretext or the other. This malpractice has become so deeply entrenched that bribery is now treated as an unwritten prerequisite for accessing basic legal services.
Sadly, there appears to be no effective mechanism to curb this. The common citizen, already burdened by inflation and economic hardship, is left helpless. The government should immediately order comprehensive computerisation of land records and online issuance of sale certificates and property registration documents. A complete online system for application, tracking and delivery should be introduced, similar to the model successfully implemented in Punjab.
Such reforms would restore public confidence in the government and protect the people against daily exploitation at the hands of corrupt officials.
Kazim Raza Rizvi
Karachi
