Corruption Inc.
Irrespective of whether the figure is correct or not, it is instructive to examine how societal values became so degraded that such a news story provokes not even a functional denial from the government nor a whimper from civil society. The current government, led by the PPP and in which several friends of the president have high posts, knows that no matter how much the media bleat on about graft and financial scandals, it does not matter one bit because the public remains unmoved and no entity has the ability, the courage or the resources to take action. The chief justice and the Supreme Court, despite their huffing and puffing, have been unable to blow the house down on corruption, cronyism and abuse of power. Opposition parties, including Nawaz Sharif’s, also tarnished by sleaze, disingenuously use corruption as a stick to beat the government with. Yet they have no desire for any substantive change in the system, of which they themselves aspire to be beneficiaries when ‘their turn’ arrives.
How did our society become so tolerant of such blatantly corrupt practices? Was it always like this? You ask the elders of society and they narrate that in the 1950s and 1960s making a living was hard. The new nation was beset with millions starting new lives, a nascent economy and negligible infrastructure or industry. Unemployment was very high. Young men were desperate for jobs. People preferred to eat only two meals a day but would not countenance running a household on the proceeds of crime or corruption.
Yet such solid values, the fundamental creed that you live on what little you have but you never steal or cheat to get ahead, seem almost apocryphal now. Instead, we live under a system where people are let off for wrongdoing because of their family ties, their baradari, their connections. The lack of consequences for wrongdoing permeates every sphere of our lives. There are no legal consequences for breaking the law and there is no social disgrace for being corrupt. In fact, being corrupt is socially acceptable, even as an aspiration to becoming wealthy quickly, by any means necessary. It is seen as an achievement, an acceptable route for success, of gaining social status, worthy of emulation, even envy.
All of us collude and contribute to this erosion of basic truths. Corruption is unethical, dishonest and immoral. Period. Justifying bribery as ‘understandable’ in some cases, such as policemen or public servants, whose salaries are a pittance, is a travesty against those who eke out an existence on that very pittance, making do and supporting families until old age. There are tens of millions of such people, office workers, junior grade public servants, ordinary folk who support their entire families on the same salaries that others use as an excuse to indulge in blatant bribery and dishonesty.
Those who accept and advance such mitigations for corrupt practices have corroded the precepts of right and wrong in our society. They are responsible for inculcating dishonesty as a socially acceptable way of life. Excusing bribery, corruption and crime on the basis of economic need is an insidious disservice to everyone, especially those it claims to empathise with. It has culminated in a society where the rule of law is just a silly rumour and a government which is unashamedly scaling the heights of sleaze. The ruling party now seems to practice corruption as a valid aspect of governance, a privilege of power, a right since it is in power. The result is ‘Corruption Inc.’, a publicly-owned company, which we bought shares in the day we failed to challenge our fathers, uncles and friends for living on the proceeds of dishonesty and deceit.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2011.
COMMENTS (64)
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Hanging or life sentence will not solve the problem. Unless every movable and immovable property of the culprit and his kin is confiscated and they are placed on a street as ordinary labourers. Perhaps such an example will have some impact on those who believe they can get away or their children and grand children will enjoy their corrupt cookies!
@Sam: Learn to accept the fact, corruption was introduced to the newly born developing nations in the middle of 'cold war' from both camps. Except that your side won the laurels.
New name of " Pakistan "...." Corrupttistan "....@ Pak expats...u r right...unless we hv people from grass-root level, situation will not improve...bad goverance gives birth to corruption.....that is the reason none of the political parties want LG system but to be replaced by old bureaucratic system of commissionerates....?? this exposes the real face of the politicians who claims to be democratic but not in its real sense.
Recent media report upon corruption is amazing. but more alarming and dangrous aspect of the matter is public silence. We wounder when we refer to "General public" who generaly do not know what they they are and what they need to do.
@Ali Hussain: I agree with you 100%. However, it is a fact that Mush's political offspring are becoming champions of democracy. If that is not a fact then I am guilty? Telling it like it is no crime or personal attack. Usually I would not point these facts out but a couple of ladies are pretending to be the agents of change, with is history that says otherwise. Please point out what is wrong in my statements and I would apologize in public. If I would have been with any dictator, first I would show my remorse and shame then move on. Thanks for keeping it civil, regards, Mirza
Yes developing countries tolerate corruption. It is appalling and I find it disturbing that people would disagree with this article along their party lines. I work in the development commnity and pres Zardari has a very bad reputation amongst NGO's. Sorry but he is a discredit to Pakistan.
great piece - i agree with this logic
excellent piece
I am sick of this government and its unbridled corruption - when will people stand up and throw threse people out? they have sucked the blood out of this country.
On a recent visit to Delhi I was told by a friend that India has become increasingly corrupt over the last twenty years. His reason: Bees saal pahle aap kisi ko rishwat do tau aapka kaam wo bilkul karaa dega. Ab haalaat ye hain ki kisi ko rishwat bhi do tau koi guarantee nahi ke aapka kaam ho yaa na ho. I hope our rishwatkhor friends in Pakistan are at least maintaining their morality.
Karachites were forced to confine themselves to their houses for four to five days and lived these days without light ,water and food. They were all poor people who worked on daily wages to earn their livelihood. Lesson learnt is if they could be forced to do so by others for others why can they not do it for themselves. All they need to do is to come out and march on the roads and steets bringing every thing to stand still just for one day. If they can do it for Altaf the juglar they should do it their ownselves. If they sleep even now the writing on the wall for them is very clear ELEMINATION.
When we discuss the issues in Pakistan, we bluntly point at corruption, bad governance, lawlessness, moral bankruptcy, poverty, extremism, terrorism and so on. But a majority of us are unable to pinpoint the root cause of these problems in Pakistan. These abysmal problems stem from us. How can we expect our country to rise again when our conscience is dead? We have put on a cloak of hypocrisy, always criticising government but justifying ourselves by presenting excuses for our heinous acts. Individual effort will change the thinking of a family and a family will affect the community and the community will bring a constructive change inthe entire country. Charity begins at home. Stop criticising the policies, the government, politicians and the system. Think about your own contributions towards your country. Take an initiative to bring about a change first in yourself and then the entire nation.
@Ali Hussain: Well said Ali.
I live in dubai - visit Pak a lot and I have noticed things are so much worse over the past couple of years. This has to be the most corrupt regime ever - they do not even hide it anymore.
Very well said!
Yes corruption has become a totally an acceptable way of life - haram ki kamai is no longer an issue - you are right. the only way is to study and practice islam instead of just playing lip service to it.
3 trillion???? blimey.
Pakistan like many developing countries is beset by corruption but it seems the level of acceptability is very high - that is more damaging than the figure.
@Ali Hussain: well said Ali. An excellent piece I have fwd to all my contacts.
@Sarim Zia: Totaly agree with you!
People like Mehreen Khan need to keep writing and she does it brilliantly well which is why the "corruption apologists" are going nuts.
undoubtedly corruption is a cancer for the society. we should all make a unanimous policy against this contagious syndrome. Pakistan is the country enriches in oil, coal and numerous natural resources. But politics always go hand in hand. There could be many possible solutions to eradicate corruption, but in fact, the seriousness and strict measures are inexorable for the expunge of corruption. on the whole, any measures and actions are not feasible in near future.
@Mujtaba:
This is hilarious. We are corrupt because of Washington?!
Madam,
I have said it a million times, absolute numbers are meaningless. What does Rs 3 trillion mean and how was this figure arrived at when we have only a corruption PERCEPTION index?
Second, of course this number, however flawed, will go up with time if only by the amount of inflation!
We have become like the people of The Sodom and Gomorrah whom we refer to as the people of Prophet Lut (A.S). The only difference is that we have opted for corruption and other vices. Beware of God's impending wrath on this society of Munafiq. This nation of Munafiqs would put to shame the Munafiq of time of the Jahilyah and the irony is that they claim and strongly believe that all their sins will be forgiven why because they recite the Kalima. Wake up your dead conscious before the angels come and shower you with fire and brimstones
@Sarim Zia: and so do I. Did I say otherwise in my comment ??
how can we change this?
Solution lies in Education. Widespread education. Universal Primary Education. And we also need to work on the meaning of education, whereby it is not restricted to mere accumulation of degrees and certificates by any means, but a more practical, applicative and relevant diffusion of knowledge on a mass level.
You can't ask someone to be not afraid without empowering him/her enough to handle the fears. With the right education would come the real enlightenment, which will bring change. And we have examples, read how Malaysia turned around their systems through education. Give the right education the right way to as many people as possible, liberate their ability to think and watch the magic happen in 15 years - No Shortcuts!
Nuff said!
Madam, Pak can't beat India in this field. You have no choice but to admit it.
Excellent article @Jehan Ms. Khan is targeting the special audience and urging them to revive their conscience by challenging their loved ones who indulge into such crimes.
@Khalid Rahim:
whats ur point? that all things white are evil? pls stop with the hypocracy!
100% agree - balanced and nicely written
"The rule of law is just a silly rumour"
Stupendously well said!
Kiya baat hai - classic piece.
"It has culminated in a society where the rule of law is just a silly rumour and a government which is unashamedly scaling the heights of sleaze. "
Love this line!
Very clever title!!! You said so much in just two words!
This article is absolutely right - poverty is no excuse for corruption at lower levels. Values stay with you if they are strong. As for the PPP - they are hoodwinking their uneducated voters - just robbing the country blind and being supported by their workers who are all being paid off. The intellectual slike raza rabbani and Aitzaz have realised this and distanced themsleves from the loot-maar.
Beautifully written - you were away for so long I thought you had been poached by another paper. Great that you stayed with ET - I find you to be one of their few learned and balanced writers.
But I agree that the analysis is spot on but what is the remedy? Ms Khan you must write oin that.
Fantastic - these people need to be exposed. The PPP jiyalas are totally unable to come up with any defence of this so they launch into the only defence which is to attack "dictators". Musharraf was miles more honest and better for the country. there is no comparison.
@Mirza: Personal attack is the hallmark of a weak case.
Keep going Ms Khan - you write so well - proud of you!
I had no idea Pakistani govt is so corruptI live in denmark. This is unbelievable that their corruption is defended by people like @ Mujtaba. Shocking.
I agree totally with you - this government is out to rob us blind and without any shame or apology. They think it is their right to do this. they have sold Pakistan already.
Yes you are right - values are so degraded that dirty money is seen as an achievement.
Well done for writing this and for your sense of fairness and balance - glad you mentioned that opposition parties are just as bad and want this corrption inc to continue till they get their turn.
The author has raised some basic questions eating into the vitals of our society “ How did our society become so tolerant of such blatantly corrupt practices? Was it always like this? On partition, the role of our revered leadership laid the foundation of corruption by allocating jobs, lands and properties to their cronies most of whom had travelled with them This was seen and observed with great distress by those who welcomed the leadership from outside thinking it was the repeat of the “Hijrit to Madina”. The first decade after the independence was the decade of “Nepotism and Land grabbing”. Following in the foot steps, the matter was taken further by the bureaucracy to new heights with no looking back. Politicians too joined the band wagon, but earned bad name and a small part of the loot as compared to bureaucracy. Today the feather is in the cap of bureaucracy who are following in the steps of the founding leadership. The history of Pakistan is replete with the tales of corruption which has been institutionalized with such talent that court will never be able to prove it.
BarelyPassableArticle Inc.
@Mujtaba: Thanks for sharing the info. Another born again lover of fairness like Marvi. She is also a plitical offspring of dictator Mush but now a champ of democracy and revolution. My detailed comments are not published on this one. Thanks and regards, Mirza
Corruption prevails in Pakistan like a disease so much so that even Pakistani people themselves are not away from it. Everyone is indulged in corruption if he or she gets a chance. From President to peon s as well as Pakistani people. From president to peon, the circle of corruption goes on and on. So first, we should be honest as a Pakistani and then expect our leaders to do so.
whatever is stated in the article is a naked reality and we (the whole) nation is ignoring this for the last 3-4 years. What we get is 'nothing', even such a circumstances have been created that has paralyzed our minds/souls and lives.
I just wanted to ask that have the writers any divine writing ability/power/words, that may restore (factory setting of human) the minds of our politicians, and they may become honest and helpful towards the nation? They may follow Islamic governance history? They may take pain of every individual instead of taking rest in luxury suites? IMPOSSIBLE the above said all, because its 'Corruption Inc., a company of some people.
Interesting article. I wonder why corruption cannot be nailed down by courts. If a proof is available, it is easy to catch those responsible. But when you say: "The current government, led by the PPP.., knows that no matter how much the media bleat on about graft and financial scandals, it does not matter one bit because the public remains unmoved and no entity has the ability, the courage or the resources to take action." Just read it twice. It males no sense to me. Zardari was behind bars for a few years and knows that a transfer from presidential palace to jail is not a long walk. I am not defending him or his people, just trying to prove that your logic is not based on reality. Strange logic. It does not matter?
It is not like this. The trivialisation of corruption in social awareness is caused by discrediting of anti-corruption measures. Corruption allegation in this country are a way of doing power politics by political parties and army. Who knows Zardari is more corrupt or the people bringing out allegations against him? To me they are all the same, and organs like TI or their local personal also play the ball in political games.
Look at this figure of Rs 3 Trillion. Just do a simple arithmetic of subtracting this amount from total volume of Pakistan's economy. What would be left of it? To say that this amount is appropriated by top individuals in Zardari-Gilani gov is like saying that, by now these individuals would be owning a huge chunk of national economy. And if allowed a couple of more years, all rest of us would be the surfs of these two individuals. This is just rubbish.
But once they are out of power, we all tend to forget that nothing of the sort happened, and that very soon fresh target of allegation would be new incumbents.
And Mr. Parvez, with all due respect, if your alternative is to sit quietly and be glorified in your possession of such knowledge, well it doesn't seem too appealing an idea to me. The least we could do as the 'converted' people is wield the power of the pen, one of the few powers left available to us, that too in edited and adulterated forms. So for using that tool and writing, I commend the author and thank her.
"The current government, led by the PPP and in which several friends of the president have high posts", "Opposition parties, including Nawaz Sharif’s, also tarnished by sleaze, disingenuously use corruption as a stick to beat the government with."
The article, in its entirety is very well-stated. It reflects exactly what has been going on since the "awaami" democratic party took over control. Democracy, in a country where less than half the population is educated, where the feudal system grasps the roots of urban society still. I am not in aversion to the idea of democracy, nor am I asserting that the military regime prior to this government was free from woes of corruption. But atleast they had something to show for it. Atleast the corruption was not as blatant and widespread. Atleast government positions and ministries were not being doled out as favours and personal bequeaths.
And yet, on a single command, masses ravage streets and hunt people in the name of their corrupt parties. 'Democracy', on a silver platter.
@ Mahreen Khan. Corruption Inc receives its blessings from the corridors of Establishment in WashingtonDC. Without this support they would not stand a chance to run amok.
These comments, by changing names of people and parties, are true for the Indian Polity also. A comment on your statement that noone has said anything about bleeding of 3 trillion from Pakistan which is this there is no criticism because everyone has a hope that when they are in power they could also loot the nation and no one will lodge a case against them.
Solution is strong judiciary and enforcement of law. Why blame the Govt. and not the people who elect them.
some may ask why are we like this, and why are other countries so civilized in comparison. well, its not that we're inherently messed up, its just that a few people got away with it and the crap amplified. It could have happened to anyone, and it has to many other fledgling nation states in different capacities. Compounding with a religious extremism problem our overall issues are projected and manifested in a more sinister way. But the question is, how to stem it. How to try and stem the wide spread arm of corruption? My theory is overcoming fear. Poor people in Pakistan are scared of rich people with power and guns. They're scared to the point of sacrificing their basic human rights to not cause a stir. The solution is grass roots activism of the people who can claim the rightful position of being the working backbone of the country. They need to overthrow corruption by demanding justice and not taking crap anymore. Stronger unions and support by human rights watchdogs.
This country needs to be wiped clean of the current slime that resides here. Time to get a better genetic pool to occupy these lands.
Well written and so true, but this is like preaching to the already converted who are few. Those who should listen don't really give a damn and why should they ??
good to see you writing
A masterpiece of an article.
Maybe Pakistani's are too busy chasing boogeyman to look in the mirror and ask why they voted these corrupt and inept people into office?
Our society is now addicted to the steroids of corruption and yes there is no ready solution for expelling this element. Unfortunately, not only the players involved dont want to change the status quo but in fact they try their best to improve upon the corrupt legacies left by their predecessors. When there is Martial Law in the country no judicial review is available and when democracy takes prominence the nation is told that the judiciary is crossing its limits and is guilty of judicial activism. We create new departments/bodies like NAB but what we really need is a strong judiciary and a professional institution of police. That probably will not happen unless and untill we as a nation start electing better persons as our representatives.