Daily Times

Sir: The appointment of NAB Chairman is a hot topic these days. All the major political parties are trying their best to form a consensus on this issue, but the question is, should someone accused be allowed to appoint an investigator or judge for themselves? It is not just alarming but ridiculous too. The NAB chairman has a 22nd grade but the irony is that no officer of NAB could be promoted to this seat and the reason is understandable; the ‘obliged’ cannot contest the ‘obligor’.

The solution to this ever-emerging debate needs a pragmatic approach rather than giving preferences to political interests. The permanent answer to this popping question is; NAB should be made an independent institution just like military and judiciary. The most competent of the lot should be carried to the distinct posts and without any political influence and impartiality should be upheld. The nexus of power is really disastrous — power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts everything. Which is why, it should be divulged rather than carried on as a single majestic dominance.

And why only NAB, all other institutions must be made autonomous. The reason behind corruption is nepotism and hurdles in Himpartiality. All the institution should cross-examine each other positively. No one should be condemned unheard but should definitely be penalised when proved guilty. These are the international standards and should be promulgated in letter and in spirit.

Election Commission of Pakistan, SECP, SBP, IB, PTV, police, bureaucracy and all the other institutions should be made incontrovertible and unprejudiced, so that the whole nation can believe the legal process with their eyes closed. It is difficult but not unachievable — and it needs a consistent resolve and undeviating struggle for the national cause by putting vested interests aside. It is the only way to ensure a Pakistan based on Quaid’s vision and Iqbal’s dream.

MUHAMMAD AIZED

Gujranwala

Published in Daily Times, September 23^rd 2017.