Accountability is a double-edged sword. This is because it can cleanse society of corruption and nepotism but, if applied selectively it can create and nurture another generation of corrupt individuals. The current process of accountability unleashed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in collaboration with the Supreme Court (SC) is something new for Pakistan.
Never before in the history of this country has the judiciary been so proactive about weeding out corruption, particularly at the upper level along with the support it’s giving to NAB’s investigations and decisions.
However, NAB’s trial of public office holders and former members of parliament are not new. But what makes its ongoing actions unique is its newfound courage to withstand pressure and threats. Therefore, if the NAB Chairman says that conspiracies are being hatched to blow up the NAB head office with explosives, one cannot disregard such concerns. However, its critics are adamant that NAB is not even handed, and that there is a political element at play.
They accuse the organisation of targeting Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates to reduce the party’s chances of winning the upcoming general elections. In the recent past, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has also accused NAB of targeting it in similar way.
Our ethics began to erode post-1971. That was when the politicisation of our state institutions began. It’s when those in power began compromising on merit, and when inefficiency and nepotism received patronage from those in power
Accountability drives are not a new phenomenon in Pakistan. Since the days of Ayub Khan’s martial law till today, many if not most of the regimes have attempted to clamp down on corruption. But all of these drives came with hidden motives, hence there could be no true accountability. When those who were supposed to be role models for their integrity were involved in corruption and nepotism, Pakistan sank deeper into a vicious cycle of financial and administrative chaos and mismanagement.
The culture of bribes, kick-backs and money laundering deepened its roots and was accepted in the corridors of power, as well as the popular level. Now, when the country is facing a severe economic predicament because of serious debt crisis, dwindling exports, depleted foreign exchange reserves and low remittances, everyone’s attention has turned towards corruption. Accountability is being termed the only way to pull Pakistan from the brink of economic disaster, but it seems that is too late to deal with this 70 year old menace.
There are three major realities as far as accountability in Pakistan is concerned. There was once a time when the country was respected in the international community; its institutions performed better and corruption was not as widespread as it is today. Our ethics began to erode post-1971. That was when the politicisation of our state institutions began. It’s when those in power began compromising on merit, and when inefficiency and nepotism received patronage from those in power.
Since 1971, every civilian, military and quasi-military regime has recruited people who lack proper qualifications. As a result, institutions like the PIA, Steel Mills and Pakistan Railways ended up with a debt of Rs 800 billion. The State, which was responsible for providing respectable public transport, better health and educational facilities failed in its duties. Lack of accountability and transparency played havoc with the lives of people and the absence of good governance, rule of law and functional justice made things worse. And this could not be concealed.
Presently, the judiciary and NAB are busy hearing corruption and nepotism cases related to former law makers and governmental officials, but the truth is they are only taking action against a small minority. What about the sacred cows who think they are above accountability?
As always, the ongoing accountability drive will prove to be nothing but hype. Soon enough, those who have been arrested, are under trial or even have been convicted will return to their positions. Corruption will thrive as long as our institutions remain weak.
The writer is Meritorious Professor of International Relations at the University of Karachi and can be reached at [email protected]
Published in Daily Times, July 6th 2018.