Reining in corruption

It is hoped that NAB is able to act efficiently and bring forward the real facts in the cases it is investigating

Following criticism that NAB and other investigative agencies were operating and enquiring into corruption cases only in Sindh, the body appears to have stepped up its actions in Punjab, perhaps in an effort to combat this impression. Any drive against corruption should be welcomed, provided that it is fairly carried out and in a transparent manner. In Punjab, members of the ruling PML-N are said to be the prime target of these investigations into corruption, with provincial Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ali Khan being one of the many prominent persons under the radar. Investigations are also covering the allegations against other ministers and members of parliament, including MNA Iftikharul Hassan. The Nandipur power plant scandal is also to be investigated as are other charges, some of which NAB has said it would prefer not to talk about publicly. The DG NAB in Punjab has, however, said that the body is full of zeal in its mission against corruption.

In many ways, this is welcome news. It may help alter the opinions of those who demanded that the military step in to the arena of corruption investigation; a purely civilian area under the law of the land. We do not need the military to expand its ring of influence and divert from its true purpose. It is now hoped that NAB is able to act efficiently and bring forward the real facts in the cases it is investigating. Any failure in doing so, will lead to further problems. Along with PML-N leaders, former PPP parliamentarian Qasim Zia is also being investigated and a charge sheet against him has been presented before courts. This should help send out the message of the lack of discrimination and willingness to go after corruption wherever it exists. Each case will be followed with considerable interest given that, for a long time, fingers had been pointed at the lack of action in Punjab, even while a massive swoop against corruption continues in Sindh. NAB has come under much criticism in the past for its lack of follow-up in major corruption scandals. It needs to silence its critics now.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19^th,  2015.

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