Sir: Reference an unending series of financial and land scams, which have caused despair among many and tarnished the country’s image due to the involvement of specific political parties and retired members of the uniformed and civil bureaucracy. The state has been held hostage by those who in their quest for more and more wealth never hesitate to indulge in corrupt practices. A few individuals remain willing to betray their country. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure strict vigilance and monitoring of such individuals and groups that are involved in blatant irregularities. The bitter reality is that the state and its institutions have failed to perform their constitutional obligations and certain groups within the bureaucracy have abused their official powers at the cost of national interests and security concerns of the country. Tolerance for irregularities and corruption has wreaked havoc in society. The country has been facing threats from criminals and terrorists. Whether it is money laundering, organised flight of capital, Karachi water tanker mafia, DHA Valley Islamabad scam, Axact scandal, etc, the involvement of our own nationals is always found in these scandals. ALI MALIK TARIQ Lahore