Accountability - hopes and challenges

The Transparency International Report 2008 has been released. Pakistan is ranked 134th out of 180 nations, which implies that it is the 46th most corrupt country in the world.

This is a slight improvement as compared to position in 2007 (138 out of 179). Pakistan's Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score has also gradually improved from 2.1 in 2005 to 2.5 in 2008. The good news is that despite the political, economic and security related turmoil's of 2007/2008, Pakistan's anti-corruption efforts are bearing fruit, though we still have a long way to progress to attain at least the halfway mark in the world rankings.

Interestingly within SAARC, Bhutan is least corrupt scoring the highest CPI of 5.2, followed by India (3.4), Sri Lanka (3.2), Nepal (2.7), Pakistan (2.5) and Bangladesh (2.1) being the most corrupt.

Pakistan is faced with a crisis of integrity, ethics and morality. Corruption is so deeply rooted in all segments of our society that it is now an accepted way of life. Even Zakat and Baitulmaal funds have not been spared in the past. Our national character has been adversely affected. Honest men of integrity and character are difficult to find, being so heavily outnumbered by the corrupt who enjoy a privileged status in the society.

The recent Bank of Punjab scam, the biggest in our history reflects the growing degradation of business ethics and good values in our society in general and corporate sector in particular. Through fictitious/proxy accounts that were opened by using fake/forged CNICs/NICs, bogus/false collateral's and over valued mortgages, the fraudsters in collaboration with bank officials right to the top, caused loss to the bank to the tune of 9 billion rupees. In doing so these officials betrayed the trust of their depositors. Accountability of all the accused and recovery of the looted billions poses a challenge for the State, NAB and the judiciary.

The Lahore Rail Mass Transit Scam is another example of how misgovernance and lack of sound internal controls provided an ideal environment for corrupt practices. Low ranking officials of the Department of Transport, Government of Punjab, misappropriated almost Rs 400 million through bogus bills in the Feasibility Project of this ADB funded project so vital for the Lahoris that desperately need a reliable and efficient public transport system.

It is difficult to believe that the higher officials of the department were unaware of the grave criminal offence that was committed right under their nose. NAB is committed to bring to justice all those involved who shamelessly looted public funds.

Corruption and economic growth are deeply inter-related. When 40 to 50 percent of government funds are skimmed off in development projects due to commissions and kickbacks, it retards the socio-economic development process; a surge in corruption results in an adverse impact on poverty alleviation measures.