Criticism of a famous dermatologist and a big media house for an alleged money laundering scam is not surprising. A dermatologist is the sister of a celebrity who happened to be a strong advocate of Naya-Pakistan ideology. Whereas, the media house under the scrutiny of FIA is well-known for its coverage of fancy award ceremonies abroad and fiery sermons on the menace of corruption in daily current affairs talk shows. The silence of the celebrity brother and the insufficient response of the self-righteous media house are very meaningful! The masses have a right reason to feel disappointed rather than exploited in the hands of so-called flagbearers of transparency. Corruption and accountability are the two hot topics in domestic political discourse of the present era. The rise and fall of political parties revolve around these much-talked-about factors. As a matter of principle, accountability for the corrupt practices should be ensured without any political discrimination. Modern democratic societies usually maintain transparency through vigorous implementation of laws, which also contain zero tolerance for financial corruption as an essential trait. It would not be an overstatement that accountability is considered part of a governance scheme. Legal structure in Pakistan, though, provides no leniency for corruption; however, the quality of investigation vis-à-vis accountability has always remained questionable. The extraordinary interest of political groups in the subject of corruption is quite meaningful! During the past one and a half decades, much emphasis was laid on the issue of corruption by the leadership and spokespersons of rival political parties. Targeted campaigns were launched to demonise the opponents with accusations of financial misappropriation. We have seen the rise of political influencers who proliferate customised narratives in favour of particular political groups.

Weaponising of corruption and accountability slogans against the rivals could fetch temporary political benefits for certain exploiters, but in the long run, this hypocritical tendency continues to remain a festering wound in the body of society.

Weaponising of corruption and accountability slogans against the rivals could fetch temporary political benefits for certain exploiters, but in the long run, this hypocritical tendency continues to remain a festering wound in the body of society.

The bad part of this tendency is the growing lack of authenticity, which may be termed disinformation or fake news. Generalised accusations of corruption usually attract the attention of the masses very easily and subsequently overshadow the necessity for fact-checking. While creating a false image of their favourite leaders, certain keyboard warriors are seen deeply indulged in portraying themselves as ‘Self-righteous Vigilantes’. A political battle between major parties (PTI, PMLN & PPP) is being fought in the social media field by these self-styled influencers. Unfortunately, political groups are allocating maximum energies only on social media and digital platforms, where maximum efforts eventually go in vain with zero focus on practical anti-corruption measures. Undeniably, PTI leadership brought the issue of corruption and accountability to the centre of political discourse during the past three elections, but it could not move forward an inch in the practical domain. The bitter reality of the present era is now dawning on the supporters of PTI in many ways. The former PM is facing corruption trials while being imprisoned. Legal wizards of the party are more focused on creating media optics and showing the least interest in presenting the evidence in court. More or less, the two ruling parties (PPP & PMLN) had a similar fate during the government of PTI in the centre. The question rightly arises why the accountability drive remains ineffective. One simple reason is the lack of sincerity and will among the political stakeholders. The second reason emerging in the present era of social media is related to self-righteous vigilantes who maintain dual standards about the deep-rooted corruption. In the past few years, we have seen celebrities (actors, singers, sportsmen) and religious figures influenced by the populist slogans of political leaders. Even media houses used the slogan of accountability to gain a lead in the race for ratings. It is about time to gauge how far the corruption rhetoric pushed by political groups could benefit society. Unfortunately, the outcome is neither positive nor encouraging. Disclosures surfacing during the recent past weeks about the self-righteous influencers, who are largely followed by celebrities and vigilante media houses, are very disappointing. Astonishing exposure about the involvement of an overrated Islamabad-based female dermatologist in a huge amount of money laundering is not the only reason for disappointment for the masses. Double speak of her celebrity brother has emerged as a double whammy. These celebrities were known and followed by a large number of citizens for their vigorous advocacy for a former ruling party. Exposures are multi-dimensional, as evident from a high-profile money laundering investigation against a media house which runs news and entertainment channels simultaneously. Reports are surfacing about the much-expected cover-up efforts launched by the media group. Blind followers of certain populist leaders, influencers and media anchors have all the reasons to feel betrayed. Lecturing against corruption in the glitter of media by the glamorous celebrities, anchors and media house owners was all meant to exploit and befool the public. Weaponising of corruption and accountability slogans against the rivals could fetch temporary political benefits for certain exploiters, but in the longer run, this hypocritical tendency continues to remain a festering wound in the body of society.

The writer is a student.

© Daily Times