Corruption is authority plus monopoly minus transparency. Our society is facing a very serious problem of corruption that has threatened the basic foundations of society. Corruption is the cancer that will gobble up all the socio-economic and political achievements of the country. The major reasons of fast-creeping corruption are political instability, poverty, an unequal structure of society, unemployment, lack of accountability, weak political institutions and the absence of rule of law. As a result of these negative trends, political stability, equal distribution of resources and power, confidence of local and foreign investors and political institutions are all affected.
Although corruption has wide-ranging deleterious effects on society and governance, its most deadly impact is always on the poor. It undermines democracy, builds obstacles in the way of good governance and weakens democratic institutions. Increase in corruption in any society is inversely proportional to good governance. Corruption is a consuming sickness with a strongly infectious character. Institutions should be made strong for proper working of the democratic system. A proper system of accountability and checks and balances should be implemented. Justice delayed is justice denied. In time justice can minimize corrupt practices.
Salaries and wages should be increased in order to decrease the chances of corruption. The education system must be revised and improved according to national needs. Stable governments are essential for justice to prevail.
Corruption is a multi-faceted problem so it should be countered on all possible fronts with sincerity. We must reform ourselves. Only proper planning and strictly implemented policies with public support can put a halt to this growing threat.
MUHAMMAD ARSLAN NAZAR,
Lahore, June 21.