Jahangir's World Times First Comprehensive Magazine for students/teachers of competitive exams and general readers as well.
“A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case, he is justly accountable to them for the injury.” (John Stuart Mill)
Corruption, a chronic problem of Pakistan, is a festering wound on the body politic of the country. In the past, we have seen that governments were sent packing on the allegations of ‘massive corruption’. Nowadays, the issue is back in the limelight with full intensity and so is the incompetence of our anti-corruption institutions. The proceedings before the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the Panama Papers case are but one indication of the spread of this cancer.
Although ‘eradication of corruption’ figures prominently on manifestoes of all political parties, it turns out to be only an election gimmick, once the party assumes power. Here Lord Acton’s words, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” seems most relevant. All the successive governments in Pakistan have failed to eradicate this vice. And, it is lamentable that Pakistan persistently has low rankings on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index — it ranked 116 out of 176 countries on 2016 index.
Then, who is responsible for this state of affairs?
There is a bevy of factors behind this but the biggest is the non-seriousness of the ruling elites. Instead of fostering a culture of transparency and fairness in government affairs, the rulers keep the people of Pakistan in the dark. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is one such example as we still don’t know what exactly has been the deal.
Moreover, when a probe is, somehow, launched into an instance of alleged corruption, a lot of hue and cry is raised that it is political victimization and a conspiracy against the democratic setup of the country. In addition, the reins of accountability institutions are deliberately given in the hands of those who would obey their political bosses, though at the cost of national interest. That is why the performance of such institutions has been lackadaisical, to say the least. And, this impotence of NAB is depicted in Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed’s remarks: “Chairman NAB tried to give insurance policy for Prime Minister” and that “[t]he NAB had passed away for us the day before.”
Accountability is not a threat to democracy rather it is its lifeblood. In democratic societies, everyone is accountable for his/her deeds. This process effects transparency in government affairs which, in turn, builds people’s trust in the political setup. Public-office holders, being the guardians of the national exchequer, are always accountable and answerable for all their actions and inactions.
We need to understand that democracy bears fruit only in those societies where there is a robust system of accountability in place. And to have such a system in Pakistan, we ought to foster a culture of ruthless accountability. No crook should go scot free at any cost. And, this will happen only when we implement strict laws.
Here the role of parliament assumes greater importance. It must legislate on the issue of conflict of interest. No elected representative should, in any way, be able to use his political influence for his personal interest. How a person who has business interests in a profession would run the affairs of the concerned ministry with complete honesty?
Second, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) must be ‘resurrected’ but not as a toothless body. It must be empowered through laws and with appointment of officers having impeccable integrity. There must be no political interference of any sort that may jeopardize the impartiality and fairness of the Bureau.
Third, and probably the most important, is the reformation of the Election Commission of Pakistan. The ECP needs to bolster the system of scrutinizing the nomination papers of the aspirants to various elected bodies. Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution of Pakistan must be implemented in letter and spirit so that only the honest people — sagacious, righteous and non-profligate, honest and amen as Article 62(1)(f) stipulates. In JWT’s editorial of June 2016 issue, we have already raised the most pertinent question: “Do Articles 62 and 63 only mean that a person should have memorized six kalimahs, or some religious prayers, or basic knowledge of Islam?” And, it is still highly relevant and pertinent.
And, last but certainly not least, the parliament must play its due role in putting in place a strong mechanism of accountability for the parliamentarians. Public Accounts Committee, which is constitutionally headed by the Leader of the Opposition, must act as a bulwark against corrupt practices.
Equality before the law is a sine qua non for a delivering democracy. And, with equality comes justice which is the basis for a peaceful and prosperous society. History bears testimony to the fact that only those nations can tread the path to development and prosperity where there is justice and this is what accountability is all about.
