A shift in culture

It is possible that there is a fundamental, almost visceral, change in process regarding corruption and accountability. For decades the culture of impunity has been dominant. The rich and powerful were above the law and rarely if ever before the courts for their corruption or other misdeeds. They were protected and insulated by a system that was itself corrupt. Recent events may be the first reliable indicators that a change is afoot.

The Sharif family is revealing its vulnerabilities, and with NAB finally finding its feet Shehbaz Sharif is now in its sights. NAB has in its custody those who are willing to spill the beans doubtless as a part of their own skin-saving strategies, and there is reportedly ‘incriminating evidence’ against the former Punjab chief minister in respect of a range of so-called ‘scams’.

In essence it is alleged that Shehbaz and others used their power and influence to manipulate the placement of a range of contracts which in itself is not unusual. These were high-profile projects — the Ashiana Housing, the Punjab Saaf Pani Company and the Punjab Power Development Company to name but three. Various associates of Shehbaz are alleged to be implicated, some already in NAB custody and others fled, and if they decide to sing for their supper it is going to make it difficult for Shehbaz to defend himself before a combined investigation team in Lahore on August 20. NAB is not only on the trail of the Sharif family. Imran Khan himself is to be investigated for his allegedly inappropriate use of a helicopter and there are other high-profile people of interest.

If these moves by NAB are indeed signs of a change in culture then it is to be warmly welcomed and supported. Much is going to hinge upon the performance of the incoming government. The putative PM has already put down an austerity marker by opting for modest accommodation in the ministerial enclave, eschewing the luxury of the PM house. Public confidence in governance is at a low ebb. Targeted accountability is a welcome restorative.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4th, 2018.

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