Probing corruption

PM needs to put his own official machinery in order, and ensure that prosecution agencies are astute, abide by law

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s quest for accountability and erecting a corruption-free governance structure is halfheartedly realised. Though there is some headway, the drive is yet to see success. Estimates from anti-graft watchdog reveal that during the three years of PTI government, NAB has been able to recover around Rs487 billion. Whereas, most of the high-profile investigations initiated by the government have either hit snags or have become part and parcel of political exigency. The petrol, cement, sugar, wheat and IPP probes are far off from lawful retribution. Similarly, cases of corruption mostly against the opposition leaders, as well as few in the ruing hierarchy, are in a state of limbo owing to incompetent prosecution.

Yet, the prime minister is upbeat. He believes in going after all those who have looted the national exchequer. While addressing a ceremony in Balochistan’s Jhal Jhao-Bela, he said he has instructed the FIA to probe into the exorbitant cost incurred on the road construction projects during the previous dispensation. He has a hunch that billions were stashed as commission, and claims the per-kilometre cost for the project is now cheaper than what it was during the PML-N tenure. He went on to say that his intuition is to leave behind a legacy of clean governance, and realise unprecedented development across the country.

There is no doubt in the PM’s commitment towards good governance. But he needs to put his own official machinery in order, and ensure that prosecution agencies are astute, abide by law, and do not indulge in witch-hunting. This aspect will help in reassuring transparency, and enabling the courts to decide on merit in real time. Going after white-collar crimes is easier said than done. It demands selfless input and stringent muscles of law. The PM also needs to critically evaluate the performance of the Assets Recovery Unit, meant to retrieve monies and assets overseas, as well as the law to facilitate and reward whistle-blowers. Both are non-starters in essence to this day. Likewise, anti-corruption memorandums with Britain, the UAE, and many other safe havens for siphoned off money need a new lease of life.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2021.

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