Corruption, a plague in the system, has robbed Pakistan of its socio-economic

development. Pakistan is going through an alarming state of corruption. Corruption perception index's
ranking is increasing with every year; however, there is not just one aspect to be blamed for it. Weak
institutions conducive to indulge in corrupt practices, low salaries with no increments, poor mechanism
of accountability, lack of moral values and lack of will of stakeholders to take steps to eradicate the
menace of corruption are some of the reasons of corruption. Resultantly, corruption becomes a norm.
Moreover, it weakens the democratic institutions, prevails rule of corrupt practices rather than law, low
economic growth and spread of inequalities in the society. Therefore, in order to pave a way for
development, it is imperative to emphasize on transparency in processes through e-governance,
exemplary punishment to all those involved, development and implementation of anti-corruption laws,
awareness campaigns and training to strengthen moral values along with provision of reasonable
salaries and rationalization of perks and privileges among different cadres of civil service.

Weak institutions conducive to indulge in corrupt practices are responsible for rampant corruption in a
country. Kautliya wrote in his famous guide for rulers, Arthashastra, ‘’ It is impossible to not try and taste
honey if it’s put on the tip of the finger’’. Hence, the corrupt elements exploit the loopholes existing in
the processes. Recently, the corruption charges for misuse of funds by the Auditor general department,
the supreme institution, is an eye-opener. Furthermore, vague processes make it difficult to identify the
corrupt practices.

Secondly, low salaries and insignificant increments incite the individuals to adopt unfair means to earn
more money. It is judicious to require a reasonable wage rate or increment, at least , near to average
inflation rate. An individual working honestly and in return receives low wages is one of the compelling
reasons to indulge in corrupt practices. That is why, in institutions of strategic importance, the
employees get good wages so that they may not indulge in corruption. As corruption is usually linked to
public office; therefore, the corruption level in departments where salaries are low such as in FBR, the
corruption is high and in law-enforcing institutions such as NAB, FIA and Intelligence Bureau where
salaries are high, corruption level is low.

Thirdly, poor mechanism of accountability eliminates the fear of consequences among corrupt elements
which in result increases the corruption. This situation is aptly described by Kautilya that ‘’ Just as fish
moving under water cannot possibly be found out either as drinking or not drinking water, so
government servants employed in a government work cannot be found out taking money''.

Lack of moral values and ethics is also prevalent in our society, which is causing increase in
corruption. Marx says, ‘’Money transforms fidelity into infidelity, love into hate, hate into love, virtue
into vice, vice into virtue, servant into master, master into servant, idiocy into intelligence, intelligence
into idiocy’’. So, money justifies the corruption by altering the moral values and ethics. People do not
feel shame while demanding their share. In this way, corruption embedded into the system. Both the
giver and receiver consider it a win-win situation.

Last but not the least, the lack of will of the stakeholders to eliminate the menace of corruption
is also a substantial driver of corruption. Effective policymaking and its implementation eliminates the
chances of corruption. The data to measure government effectiveness, indictor of worldwide
governance, places Pakistan at 155th position out of 209 countries. Public funds are misused grossly and
no one cares for the loss of national exchequer. Thus, policy makers and administration does not pay
heed to the massive irregularities in the system.

The implications for rampant corruption have far-reaching consequences. First, it becomes a
norm in society to use unfair means. Corruption accepted as a routine work and considered legitimate
ultimately. When a vice no longer treated as a vice, then it is very hard to eradicate the ill. This is the
worst outcome of uncontrolled corruption. As it generates two groups majority, accepting ‘chai pani’
and other minority not accepting any influence. Hence, at the end majority becomes authority.

Secondly, corruption weakens the democratic institution. Democratic institutions are based on
the principles of justice, equality and rule of law. The menace of corruption hits a hard blow to these
principles through violation. The individual holding power acquires his objective by hook or crook by
usurping the right of another individual. Thus, as a result corruption makes institutions lawless.

Thirdly, the use of corrupt practices instead of law prevails in the society. It further frustrates
the society. Consequently, it develops a huge mistrust between the public and the institutions.
Nepotism, bribery becomes the law. It hinders the common person to access these institutions.
Subsequently, it spreads inequalities in the society. Political influence over the institutions is also
responsible for the weak implementation of law. Therefore, rule of law remains the ideal situation.

Long-term impact of corruption appears in the form of low economic growth. Soaring inflation,
unemployment and poverty are the outcomes of the low economic growth. Corruption requires an
agreement of secrecy. The money earned through unfair means channeled out from country to abroad.
This flight of money from the economy causes low economic growth.

In order to eradicate the corruption, it is imperative to increase transparency through e-

governance. The use of technology in institutions shall be increased as it brings transparency in
transactions. To measure the development of national e-government capacities, United Nations has
developed e-government development index, Pakistan is ranked at 153 position out of 193 countries.
This low ranking indicates the level of use of technology. Hence, corruption could be redued by
increasing the use of technology.

In addition, exemplary punishments to all those involved can curb the spread of this evil. The
disqualification of former prime minister in 2018 for concealing income received from a company
owned by his son and the disqualification of an MNA for not declaring an offshore company in his assets
may actually be the across the board application of the principles of justice.

Transparency International believes that,’’ effective enforcement of laws is essential to ensure

corrupt are punished and break the cycle of impunity, a freedom from punishment or laws’’. Anti
corruption institutions shall be strengthened and politicization of these institutions must be ended to
grow and to end the corruption.

There shall be awareness campaigns regarding the gravity of the sin of corruption and its
consequences such as ‘’ Say no to corruption''. Moreover, the definition and scope of corruption and its
punishment shall be the essential part of training. Similarly, the introduction of whistle blowing practice
can also be effective in reduction of corruption.