corruption in our society

                                             Corruption The best yardstick to measure the social and moral maturity of a country is its...

                                             Corruption

The best yardstick to measure the social and moral maturity of a country is its transparency level. It is very sorry to say that in this respect Pakistan lags for behind. It will not be wrong to say that we are touching the other extreme. The word contrary to "transparency" is "corruption".

Corruption means widespread moral degradation in society. Fraud and bribery are its main warning signs. Recent surveys show that our country is among the top corrupt countries in the world. The rate of corruption is very high. People in authority often misuse their offices for their personal gains. Honest workers and officers are very few in number. The same situation prevails in business and commerce.

The ever-expanding web of corruption is fast devouring our social set up. The Qabza groups in various cities have set up their vicious network. They are properly protected by those who are in authority. The poor victims of this mafia are quite helpless.  We find corruption not only among traders and bureaucrats, but also among our politicians. The way they earn their seats in assemblies clearly show their programmes. They spend lavishly because they are sure to get much more when they come to power. Voters are bought openly.  Bargains are made publicly. This practice promotes corruption. 

The main reason for this wholesale corruption in our society is the poor legal system. The departmental system of accountability is so ineffective that it is generally claimed that the anti-corruption department is the real source if corruption in Pakistan. Corrupt government employees, smugglers and fraudulent business have dominated every sphere of life. 

If a person is trapped somewhere, he is unable to get any relief from any corner. The process of our law courts is so painful and lengthy that seeking justice becomes practically impossible. This is why most of the people find it hard to protect their right. It is a common saying that justice delayed is justice denied.
These are the instances of the corruption done to individuals. Corruption done to the community is more hart-rending. The ministers and the members of assemblies misuse public funds mercilessly. There lavish spending of the national resources is also promoting corruption in society. Most of our politicians come from the aristocratic or top business class.
The practicable solution to this problem is in the form of land reforms. The effective land reforms done in India just after the partition has virtually eliminated the feudal class. land reforms done in Pakistan will also give rise to a new class of small landowners who will be in a position to fight for their rights. This awareness of a strong new class will put corruption in check.If we want to make our country strong, we will have to check corruption and bring transparency at all levels of governance.