Clean governance

LAHORE: The promises of a better Pakistan made by those in power often soar far above the expectations of the masses. However, when it comes to delivering on these promises, the results consistently fall short, leaving citizens disillusioned and questioning the credibility of their leaders. This widening trust deficit with each unfulfilled pledge is a matter of grave concern.

The power rates have tripled in the past two years but failed to address the issue of circular debt. The privatization process still remains stalled. Educational outcomes have deteriorated further and the elite capture in education is at peak. The system ensures that only children from affluent families move forward.

The menial jobs are reserved for those that got education from non-elite institutions. Healthcare system is in shambles. The healthcare cost in state hospitals and clinics is nominal but the services provided are pathetic. In fact due to bad hygiene in state health education even the attendants of the patients catch some disease.

Taking tough and much needed decisions does not mean that the problems would be solved overnight. But one does expect some improvements that did not happen. The tough decisions were not followed with better governance. The tougher the conditions the higher the rate of bribe in Pakistan. This is a reality known to anyone serving the country. The hard decisions would be delivered if they stop the malpractices in the system.

Do the rulers think that power theft has stopped or reduced after taking action against power thieves? Has the line losses (mainly due to power theft) been reduced appreciably? Or have increased in some regions? Has there been improvement in power generation? We are living in a fool's paradise. The system remains as rotten as ever.

The rent seeking rates have increased. The corruption in the power system is institutionalized.

We might have removed a few petty officials but in a system where rent is distributed from bottom to top one expects some higher ups apprehended. The cosmetic measures would not bring any improvement.

We took strict action against illegal outflow of dollars? Do the rulers think that illegal outflows have been stopped? Are they naïve enough to ignore the fact that the large scale under invoicing still in vogue is because of illegal foreign exchange inflows? The civil society sees people transferring money outside through illegal channels.

How come these channels escape the eyes of the regulators? We must realize that the momentary orders from those in power are reluctantly accepted for a while by the officials that benefit from money laundering.

They relax their vigilance after a while and allow illegal transfer through newly created channels. The day large scale under-invoicing is stopped in Pakistan we can safely say that money laundering is effectively curbed.

Again in case of illegal outflows of foreign exchange no heads worth their name have been taken to task. Without proper and fair accountability one cannot expect things to improve.

The higher ups enjoying huge powers feel satisfied with the immediate reaction of the bureaucrats to their orders but fail to realize that the same unethical practices were in vogue in the presence of those very officials. These officials should remain under strict scrutiny for life to ensure compliance. Any relaxation of rules or overlooking any ethical practice should be accompanied with exemplary punishments. This would deter other officials from misdeeds.