NCJ Number
191512
Date Published
December 2000
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the prevalence, nature, and causes of corrupt activities by public officials in Pakistan, as well as measures undertaken to address such corruption.
Abstract
Public corruption in Pakistan occurs at both the higher level of government and the lower strata of government officials. Notwithstanding the plethora of criminal laws for the prevention and punishment of corruption among public servants, the results have not been encouraging. Hardly any prominent public figure has been convicted of corruption. This may be ascribed to the selective, vindictive use of the law by successive governments against their opponents. The lack of political will to initiate the process of accountability and apply the law in earnest has resulted in a situation in which corruption is not only tolerated but allowed to spread. Giving a bribe to a public servant has become standard practice, and because the bribes are paid in secret, it is difficult to detect or to prove. Given that laws have little effect absent the will to obey them, the greatest need is to mount campaigns of religious and moral teachings that will change attitudes and behavior. Further, economic policies should be devised to address poverty and reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. Lack of education is another factor that leads to corruption. Appended lists of the causes of corruption, causes of lack of convictions, and solutions