“If we (politicians) can publicly declare our assets, why can’t they [civil and military bureaucracy, judges]? Accountability should be across the board, not selective,” was the opinion of Awami National Party (ANP) Senator Mohammad Adeel.
Some circles feel that the government’s recent move to support a bill on mandatory declaring the assets of armed forces, judiciary and bureaucracy lacks sincerity, as it was “politically motivated” to gain mileage in its confrontation with the judiciary.
However, politicians from either side of the aisle said they would vote in favour of the bill whenever it hits the floors of National Assembly. It is currently in a parliamentary committee for discussion and deliberation after being forwarded by the federal cabinet on January 4.
Politicians said “politically motivated or not, the bill is never too late”. They demanded an end to an examption given to the army and judiciary in declaring their assets and facing accountability. They are being treated as ‘holy cows’ when it comes to accountability.
“If the bill is adopted, it would bring credibility to the process of accountability, which is a longstanding demand of the common man,” said the Awami Party Pakistan terming it a landmark move by the government.
“APP is of the view that adoption of this bill will give credibility to the process of accountability which is the longlasting demand of the common people. It will help transforming the present security state into a welfare state and end the influence of generals, feudals, bureaucracy, capitalists and their corrupt cronies,” said the party in its reaction to the government move.
Senator Adeel demanded that all civil servants and military officers should declare their assets on the day they join service and the practice should continue till they retire. He added that his party would support the bill as it was their long-standing demand.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Ayaz Amir said he would also support the bill if it comes to the assembly. “If we (politicians) declare our assets every year, they should also do it,” said Amir. However, he said he could not speak for his party.
PML-N spokesperson Senator Mushahidullah Khan said he would have to consult with the party leadership on their stance.
However, another PML-N MNA who did not want to be named said his party supports the bill as it was one of their longstanding demands as well. “Not only should ‘baboos’ (bureaucrats) and generals declare their assets, there should be a scrutiny of their declarations as well to ascertain if they are factual.”
However, Workers Party Pakistan (WPP) President Abid Hassan Minto, a noted constitutional expert, said that further scrutiny was not needed, nor would it be feasible, and that a declaration of assets would be sufficient to hold an individual accountable.
“By declaring assets, an individual becomes open to challenges. If he makes a fake declaration, anyone possessing evidence against him can challenge it,” said Minto. He considered the bill “a good move”.
Sustainable Development Policy Institute Executive Director Dr Abid Suleri also welcomed the bill, saying that accountability should not just apply to politicians alone but also the army, judiciary and bureaucracy. “Better late than never...such a move should be always welcome,” said Suleri.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2012.
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