Naeem Kandwal
Corruption is defined as the use of public office for private gain, or in other words, use of official position, rank or status by an office bearer for his own personal benefit. Corruption has a disproportionate impact on the Economies. It is increasing costs and reducing access to services, including health, education and justice. Unofficial payments for services have a particularly pernicious effect on poor people. The poor pay the highest percentage of their income in bribes. Corruption erodes trust and weakens democracy. it hampers economic development and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and unjustice. Corruption on the part of governments, the private sector and citizens affects development initiatives at their very root by skewing decision-making, budgeting and implementation processes. When these actors abuse their entrusted power for private gain, corruption denies the participation of citizens and diverts public resources into private hands. The poor find themselves at the losing end of this corruption chain — without state support and the services they demand.The issue of corruption is on the rise developing countries. According to the World Bank, the average income in countries with a high level of corruption is about a third of that of countries with a low level of corruption. Also, the infant mortality rate in such countries is about three times higher and the literacy rate is 25% lower. No country has been able to completely eliminate corruption. The level of corruption in countries with emerging market economies is much higher than it is in developed countries. Corruption affects the entire state and governmental structure. In a corrupt economy, small businesses are not widely spread and are usually discouraged because they face unfair competition and illegal pressures by large companies that are connected with government officials. Certain industries are more prone to corruption than others, making small businesses in these sectors even more vulnerable to unethical business practices. Good Health is a fundamental right of every citizen. Corruption has detrimental effects on society such as, Lack of quality in services, Lack of proper justice, Chances of Unemployment, Poor Health and hygiene, Low growth rate of Economy, Low Foreign Direct Investment, Low Development Rate and Low Standard of Living. Education is a key to the development of Nation. Corruption has an adverse impact on the quality of education and healthcare provided in countries with emerging economies. Corruption increases the cost of education in countries where bribery and connections play an important role in the recruitment and promotion of teachers. As a result, the quality of education decreases and this affects the overall health of the economy.It is the reality that Corruption is the root of all evil. Social inequality is because of corruption. It hits the poor hard. Not all can pay bribes. Moreover, in our community, there are more projects for pipelines, dams, refineries, but still, the primary needs such as schools, hospitals, and roads are not available for everyone. A divided society could be detrimental to the stability of the country. It gives rise to crimes. Corruption has become the norm, and we have learned to live with it. We live in a world where there is bribery for purchasing government contracts, licenses, patents, evading taxes, etc. Abuse of entrusted powers, by low and mid-level officials for providing essential goods and services is widespread. Social inequality is mainly because of corruption. It hits the poor hard. Majority of the people believe that politics is based on corruption. Some of the politicians have been exposed. People have lost their trust in the democratic system, the government offices, and institutes. A capable and accountable state creates opportunities for poor people, provides better services, and improves development outcomes.Politicians are fully aware of the corruption. But they are not ready to take any lesson from the pages of history. It erodes trust in government. Corruption must certainly be condemned and corrupt officials resolutely prosecuted. The biggest obstacle to Pakistan’s development is corruption. Corruption and development cannot go hand in hand.