Accountability

Introduction

i. Accountability does not threaten democracy

a. Its corruption that undermines democracy
b. Its accumulation of wealth in the hands of few that threatens democracy
c. Its lack of faith in the system of law that threatens democracy
ii. Idea of accountability exists on three Institutional levels
a. Government departmental have their own accountability procedures
b. Independent agencies exist to keep an eye
c. Judicial review of public authority

Dilemma of Pakistan

i. Pakistani society does not lack awareness

a. We have our schools that teach virtues of accountability
b. We have our moral values that denounce corruption
c. We have our religion that equates honesty with the essence of faith
d. But on the top of it we have our whole education system that teaches all of the
above as foreign principles
ii. The idea of accountability is missing from our cultural philosophy
a. We expect things on others that we are not willing to bear on ourselves
b. Every successive government has appointed its loyals to the NAB
c. To use it as a coercive tool to gain political motives from opponents
iii. Recent Deposition of Ex. PM Nawaz Sharif
a. Deposition of Ex. PM Nawaz Sharif on corruption charges is being hailed as a
triumph of accountability culture in Pakistan
b. But it is full of suspicions and ambiguities.
1. Unprofessionalism that Honorable judges depict while proceedings
2. Use of words like “mafia” and “trying to equate a serious case with a work of
fiction – The Godfather movie – is another unprecedented chapter
c. Exemption of Military generals and Judges from accountability
1. Consensus of parliamentary committee on the notion sparked debate
2. Decision was taken on Nov 1, 2017
3. Even parties like PTI and JI who voice tall claims of support to accountability,
also give this law a go.
iv. Pakistan’s Corruption report (2017)
a. Judicial System
1. In the reports of Transparency International (2015) and World Economic
Forum (2015-2016), Pakistan’s judicial system has been branded as heaven of
bribery and corruption.
2. A report published by “U.S. Department of State” (Investment Climate
statements for 2017) reported that due to the weakness of judiciary, many
foreign investors include provisions for international arbitration in their
contracts avoid ending up om protracted disputers in local courts
b. Police
1. In Global competitiveness Report 2017-2018, it is reported that Police in
Pakistan do not provide reliable protection to companies and businesses
attribute significant costs to the consequences of crime and violence
2. Another report by Transparency International on Pakistan National Integrity
System Assessment 2014 says that Police in Pakistan suffers from lack of
equipment, poor training and corruption
c. Similar remarks are put forward about other departments like Land
Administration, Public services, Tax Administration and Custom Administration
v. Recommendations
Measuring steps should be taken by all the four pillars of State
1. Legislature:
 First of all “dual treatment” based on rank and office should be removed
from the constitution and Penal code of Pakistan. Laws should be made
equally applicable to citizens of all status and cadres
2. Media is regarded as fourth pillar of modern democratic state
 Media should play its role in inculcating the spirit of duty and justice in
public.
 Entertainment industry should stop boasting criminal mindset
3. Judiciary:
 Speedy justice should be provided and trial courts should be bound by
law to end cases in minimum possible dates
4. Executive
Executive should take steps to inculcate sense of responsibility by organizing
training session and workshops to strengthen its institutions.