The Supreme Court had in December last year ordered that the allegations against Mr Ashraf be probed and the whole affair of the RPPs looked into. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Certainly, it is necessary that this happens. We have seen too many people get away with corruption and wrongdoing of various kinds in our country. The pattern must not be repeated over and over again. The circle can be broken only if persons found guilty are punished for their crimes and an example set to others. The evidence against Mr Ashraf will, of course, need to be produced; his lawyer says none exists. But we must hope the law will take its rightful course so that justice can be done.
Scams of this kind hurt not only individuals or the government but the nation as a whole. The RPP affair affected the way our country was run in many ways. Leading experts around the world have already pointed out that poor governance and corrupt practices are closely tied. If the charges against Mr Ashraf can be proved, the case would be testimony to this. It is necessary that the full course be run and the accusations we have heard over and over again be investigated.
There is no doubt much will emerge during the hearings featuring the former prime minister. As the case proceeds, we can only hope the truth will come to light and on the basis of it, penalties meted out where and when they are deserved so that we can break free of the net of corruption which has surrounded our nation and prevented it from breathing freely or moving forward towards the progress and development it so urgently needs.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 20th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (2)
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Can not agree more with the above editorial. If found guilty of corruption, the ex PM must be made an example of and all the monies returned to the treasury. The press plays an important role in bringing awareness only if it reports objectively. Corruption is present too in the developed world - Italy, Spain and Greece are examples of ongoing investigations of politicians and other institutions. Their economies too are paying a very high price.... corruption being one of the many factors responsible for the dire/complex affairs of the said nations.
What if the allegations are not proved in the court? Will the ex-CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry be able to compensate for the torment that PM Ashraf went through?