Suggestions to remove corruption from Pakistan

One can suggest three measures, which if taken and pursued seriously by those who matter, can help reduce, if not eradicate corruption in Pakistan. First, the justice system must be powerful enough to not only award rigorous punishment to those who are involved in different types of corruption, but should also make sure that its judgments are implemented. Countries where corruption is either at a very low level or is almost non-existent, justice system plays a vital role in providing justice to people without any bribe or nepotism.

Second, along with the justice system, government and its organs must be above corruption or corrupt practices. That can only happen when those who are part of the government, whether at the lower, middle or higher level must be paid well and rewarded of their efficient and honest work. Corruption has permeated in Pakistani society because of bad governance and lack of accountability; When the rule of law is not compromised and the economic conditions of people, particularly those in police, taxation department and revenue are better, corruption can certainly be con-trolled.

Third, eradication of the causes which promote and deepen corruption. Poverty, lack of better education, acceptance of corruption in society and the role of mafias who have not only official patronage but also get a free hand to loot and plunder national wealth.

In order to take effective measures at the state and societal level against corruption, it is imperative that younger generation should be properly educated and mobilized to reduce corruption. Particularly, at the school level there is a need to introduce topics in syllabi which can “induct proper awareness on the menace of corruption. Institutional measures must be taken in various educational institutions of Pakistan by creating small anti-corruption study groups in order to provide training and expertise to eradicate corruption. Yet, the question is when corruption is so deep rooted in Pakistan and’ all state institutions are one way or the other involved in corruption, how can one expect any change as far a reducing the level of corruption is concerned? Whatever may be the reasons for the deepening of corruption in Pakistan it is rightly believed that corruption has become a way of life and this disease cannot be cured with a simple operation. Without a firm policy, which is above contradictions and followed across the board, there is no way one can seek any breakthrough in saving Pakistan from the lethal implications of corruption.

Unless those people who are an integral part of corrupt practices are removed from positions of power and punished, there is no way corruption can be controlled. By taking cosmetic measures corruption will increase and not go down. Corruption has not only become a way of life but has obtained some sort of legitimacy. From any standpoint, a corrupt society cannot be healthy and developed.