Provincial pilferage

NAB, other agencies must act dutifully, move against all corrupt elements

The disparities between the upper, middle, and lower socioeconomic classes is all too apparent in our country. The wealthier class peculiarly lives more lavishly in our developing country than it would elsewhere and freely rotates money around without consequence. In fact, it has been almost systematic that the more affluent ranks — in the categories of politicians, businessmen and bureaucracy — send the country’s funds abroad. Of late, however, with tough pushes from various corners, those responsible for such pilferage have come under the radar. In a historic turn of events, traces of accountability are appearing and the country is changing course. Whereas Punjab was in the limelight a month ago, the attention has turned to Sindh where the National Accountability Bureau is investigating not a handful but 1,500 individuals for corruption. This is a welcome move and the momentum to take unethical government officials to task should continue.

Introduction of new laws by provincial assemblies in the past to protect their wrongdoings has not been a covert operation. This time, NAB decided to strike down the Sindh National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999 Repeal Act 2017, recognising the aforementioned pattern and prudently citing the Constitution. The scrutiny with which the act to repeal the NAO law has been met is laudable — this is what the politicians deserve. Officials must be brought to book.

Amid looming threats of funding cuts by foreign powers, bookkeeping of funds is of utmost priority as well as demonstrating to the country’s lenders that the leadership will utilise aid in an honest and effective manner. While in the process of ‘cleaning up our house’, the authorities cannot succumb to pressure nor be duped by idiotic filibuster attempts in the ongoing case. The collective character of the country has been called into question and with increasing pressure to revoke funding, NAB and other agencies must act dutifully and move against all corrupt elements.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2017.

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