Daily Times

As far as corruption cases go, the National
Insurance Company Limited (NICL) scam is one of the largest, one where the implicated are turning out to be from some of the highest ranks in the country’s institutions. The case involves many billions and the Supreme Court (SC) is leaving no stone unturned to uncover the truth behind the embezzlements. In the latest development of this ongoing case, that has seen the likes of former Chairman of the NICL, Ayaz Khan Niazi, arrested for major corruption, the spotlight has turned on the son of Punjab’s previous Chief Minister, Moonis Elahi. The FIA — who’s Director General Waseem Ahmed has also been implicated in failing to arrest influential culprits in this scam — has now been directed to summon Moonis. However, the young man — who is being accused of helping himself to Rs 220 million through property deals in which the NICL was involved — apparently fled to Dubai and has now, reportedly, run off to London, despite his name being put on the Exit Control List by the SC.

The names involved in this scandal are big and that makes their crimes even bigger. As the son of the former CM, Moonis took full advantage of his father’s position to defile the national exchequer. He and his aides demonstrated that when it comes to the world of the rich and powerful, public office exists only for private gain. The SC must not let these men get away with this huge fraud. Corruption has become so commonplace that, sadly, such cases fail to register more than just a blimp on the country’s conscience. That is why the SC’s decision to pursue the NICL scam is of utmost importance. Too many powerful politicians and their loyal aides have stolen the country’s money and stashed it in foreign accounts. Too many people are being ever burdened by an economy in severe morass because our leaders, and now it seems their offspring, are too busy robbing us blind.

No matter where the trail leads and no matter who else is implicated in a scam that involves political and financial institutions, the SC must bring all the culprits to book. This is paramount in setting an example so that others who wish to follow in Moonis Elahi’s footsteps think twice about political influence protecting them from the long arm of the law. The country needs justice at a time when it is slipping into the abyss. *