Corruption stems from the absence or inadequacy of constitutional rule and leads to a breakdown in governance, which is essential for economic survival, revival, and growth. Corruption erodes the very foundation of a nation’s basic human needs, leaving its citizens to live lives worse than animals—at least animals are cared for by their owners.
In contrast, the citizens, who should be the rightful owners of their country, are deprived of the essential resources necessary for a dignified existence.
When corruption is combined with mismanagement and inefficiency, it creates a perfect storm for a country’s downfall. This deadly combination, along with nepotism, lies at the heart of Pakistan’s economic crisis.
To be clear, unless corruption, mismanagement, inefficiency, and nepotism are eradicated, the economy will never grow sufficiently to meet the needs of its citizens. The economy will continue to struggle to survive.
Quick fixes and temporary solutions may give those in power and the bureaucracy the illusion that progress is being made, but they will ultimately fail to bring about genuine improvement and transformation.
In the theater of minor accomplishments, a false sense of satisfaction ensnares the minds of overwhelmed politicians, technocrats, bureaucrats, and others. These small achievements divert attention from the critical need for a clear vision and actionable strategy aimed at long-term success.
The daily spectacle of ribbon-cuttings and self-serving speeches before an audience of opportunists and sycophants dulls the urgency of meaningful progress. Such events have a hypnotic effect on those in power, lulling them into complacency and away from the real challenges that require their attention.
The ministers, technocrats, bureaucrats, politicians, and their leaders must recognize that if they wish to revive the economy—let alone bring it to a state of vibrancy—they must confront the issues of corruption, mismanagement, inefficiency, and nepotism head-on.
The resources and wealth generated by hardworking individuals like farmers, vendors, mechanics, technicians, guards, daily wagers and ‘regular’ Mazdoors/ laborers etc. in agriculture, mining, factories, roads, commercial markets, and the service sector—often under harsh conditions, whether in the scorching heat, freezing cold, darkness, or inhuman environments, risking their lives—are being looted, plundered, and wasted by those in power.
It is........