At present everything is fast and making progress,
with this fast advancement, corruption has become a world problem. It is in
fact, a universal problem, having existed in all ages. It has clung to mankind
like an incurable disease. In view of its general prevalence scholars have
devoted a good deal of through and attention to this vice. The true reason for
corruption is a desire to get rich by any means. In a free and competitive
society, investment of capital can yield only reasonable returns in the long
run. But corruption or acceptance of bribes promises a rapid change in
financial conditions. Originally the Police and P.W.D were notorious for
corruption but now the evil has spread to almost every Department of
Government. Even courts of justice and education are no exceptions. They have
also become an arena of corruption.
Widespread of corruption has created disappointment
and discontent among the community. The machinery of government gets rusted and
ceases to work in the intended manner. Corruption decreases respect for law and
sense for allegiance to the government. In a society governed b corrupt
officials, the whole system of moral. An ethical and religious value impaired
is the distinction between right and wrong disappears. Revolutions and military
takeovers. Become common. Every student of history’ knows that one of the main
causes of the downfall of nations ha’ had been corruption.
Some important factors that contribute to the
prevalence of corruption differ from country to country. Those that are common
to most countries including Pakistan are seven. First general economic
condition to the country is poor and every one tries to feather his nest.
Secondly, the rates of remuneration of public functionaries are low, and they
are tempted to accept bribes. Thirdly the general price level and the standard
of living are very high: honest means of a person fail him. Fourthly, social
conditions and customs demand lavish expenditure of money. Fifth, there exists
no strong opinion against corruption; it has been accepted as a common thing. Sixthly
laws confer on the public servants vast powers and discretions; they take undue
advantage of that. Lastly, there are no adequate means to prevent corruption or
punish the law breakers.
To remove corruption from the society, a complete
change of the political, social and economic system is necessary. No revision
of pay scales, however liberal, can reduce corruption. The reason is that the
wealth targets aimed at by corrupt officials are very high. Similarly a mere
change in government is quite ineffective. The new government has to rely on
permanent services for its day to day administration. Unless the motive or
inducement for corruption is removed, corruption will continue. Four steps,
however. May be of some use. First, wide discretionary powers should be taken
away from individual officials. Secondly. Anti- corruption department should be
made more effective. Thirdly, the minds of the people should be changed. By the
prevalence of moral values. Lastly the law-bakers should be punished severely
and dealt with iron-hand.