Sir: Pakistan’s score on the Corruption Perception Index 2016 — the most popular gauge of the Transparency International — improved five points during the past four years. The Berlin-based anti-corruption watchdog, in its latest report, gave Pakistan 32 score on its Index as compared to 27 in 2012. Still, Pakistan is lagging behind in all spheres of life. This is the outcome of corruption. It has brought Pakistan to the point where it has lost its identity and failed to establish its credibility among the other nations of the world. Our politicians claim that they are loyal to the country and will die for this country but practically, they do nothing for the country. In fact, these politicians do not consider themselves accountable to the law and resist its superiority. Corruption has brought the nation to the point where it has lost its identity and failed to establish its self-respect and trust among other nations of the world. It can be said without any doubt that our country is heading towards more crises. Pakistan cannot be put on the path of advancement and development unless the evil of corruption is rooted out from every public and non-public organisation, where a single legal paper cannot be moved and issued without greasing the palms of concerned officials. Pakistan was ranked at 139th in the Corruption Perception Index compiled by Transparency International, which is not a matter of pride for Pakistanis. Frustration, anxiety and depression are rooted in our society. The degradation of the economy and foreign debt is increasing. There should be a public helpline for complaints against corrupt practices and punishment should be awarded to those who are found involved in corruption. NASIR SOOMRO Hyderabad