Corruption & Accountability In Pakistan

Contents

CorruptionCorruption in PakistanTypes of CorruptionCauses of Corruption in Pakistan Key sectors affected by Corruption in

PakistanStrategy to tackle corruption in Pakistan

Tufail Abbas

Corruption

“Corruption” comes from the Latin verb “corruptus”(to break)

“Corruption evolves such behavior on the part of office holders in the public or private sector whereby they improperly and unlawfully enrich themselves and/or those close to them, or induce others to

do so, by misusing the position in which they are placed.”

Types of Corruption

Political CorruptionCorporate CorruptionData Corruption

Corruption in Pakistan

Corruption has been present in this world from time immemorial.

Unfortunately corruption had started soon after the creation of Pakistan.

Ayub's Khan era brought massive industrializations and

prosperity in the affluent class. Corruption in bureaucracy and the members of Basic

Democracies. Sindh Tas Agreement

.

Corruption in Pakistan (cont…..)

PPP’s period 1988-1990 & 1993-1996

French Dassault Aviation agreed to pay 200 million commission for a $4 billion jet fighter deal

A gold bullion dealer deposited $10 million into one of Zardari's accounts to get monopoly on gold imports.

PPP’s period 1988-1990

In 88-90 Benazir Period 8%

In 93-96 Benazir Period 52%

Corruption in Pakistan (cont…..)

PML period 1990-1993 & 1996-1999 November 28, 1997 an attack on the Supreme Court

Qarz Utaro Scheme Fund Iqra fund Misconduct with Media

In 90-93 10%

In 96-99 34%

Gen. Pervaiz Musharaf period

In 99-02 34%

In 02-08 66%

Types of Corruption

Petty corruption

Middle and grand corruption

Political patronage

Influence peddling

Causes of corruption in Pakistan

The following have been major causes of corruption in Pakistan: Abuse of power by the public office holders. Political leaders incompetence. Poorly paid salary structure in the public sector. Lack of transparency. Absence of adequate internal/external controls to prevent

bribery. Poor legislative accountability is consistently a problem and

runs the risk of hindering prospects for enacting long-term

anti-corruption reforms.

Causes of corruption in Pakistan

Weaknesses in the judicial system. Illiterate and ignorant populace with inadequate public discernment

of political choices Power of influential people.

Lack of serious programme of combating corruption in the country.

Key sectors affected by corruption in Pakistan

Police and law enforcement Judiciary and legal profession Power sector Tax and customs Health and education Land administration

Police and law enforcement

Culture of lawlessness and lack of credibility Appointments are often politicised and conflict of interest Criminals are often the sole beneficiaries Bribery Due to low Salary Police reforms were instituted about two and a half years

ago

Public Safety Commissions (PSC)

Judiciary and legal profession

Public confidence in the institutional legitimacy Access to justice are undermined by corruption Poor controls of the bodies Political influence

Reform efforts have included Access to Justice Programme Supreme Judicial Council Accountability Courts

Accountability

Strategy to tackle corruption in Pakistan Head of the institutions and other leaders should be

selected on the basis of merit and honesty and they should also be equally held accountable like anyone else.

Reduction of corruption from the highest levels. Educating the people to play an active role in the fight

against corruption at all levels, and creating awareness of ill effects of corruption , in this way we can mobilize

public support in the fight against corruption.

Strategy to tackle corruption in Pakistan

Fear of accountability. Adequate salaries. Students can play an active role in the fight against

corruption. Mass media can be used as an effective tool to fight

against corruption The democratic system and freedom of speech are real

mechanisms that allow to effectively struggle against

corruption

Government’s Efforts against Corruption

Early in 1997, An ACC was established in the Prime Ministerns Secretariat

The Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) Receiving reports of corruption either through ACC or directly from

the public. Chief Ehtesab Commissioner for trial by the Ehtesab courts. 250 cases of corruption han been solved till.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau

Established on NOV 16,1999 with the promulgation of the

National Accountability Ordinance 1999 as the successor organization of Ehtesab Bureau.

Its mandate is to investigate and prosecute corruption cases Judiciary and active military personnel are not subject to the NAB chairman has been appointed by the President Bureau has two principal officers

1) Chairman

2) Prosecutor General of Accountability in Pakistan

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau

Its mission according to the official website:

“is to work to eliminate corruption through a comprehensive approach encompassing prevention, awareness, monitoring and combating”

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau

National Anti Corruption Strategy (NACS) in 2002

Executive BoardExecutive Boards have been constituted both at NAB Headquarters

and the Regional Bureaus.

Delegation of Powers

Powers of the Chairman NAB has been finalized.

Decision making for the regional Directors

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau

Internal Vigilance and Security The existing function has, therefore, been enhanced by allocating

more human and material resources. Rewards for Informers The Bureau also assures confidentiality of the identities of informers

and will provide adequate security in high-risk tip offs. Financial Management Reforms Delegation of financial powers of the Chairman has been

done to provide Regional offices with greater financial and administrative autonomy.