“Officers are turning a blind eye to the corrupt practices of those on influential positions, whether they are generals or bureaucrats,” said Irshad Ahmed Arif, senior journalist and columnist, in his speech at the TECH Society Club on “Stability of Pakistan and Corruption”.
Irshad Arif said use of discretionary powers for “legalised corruption” was the main reason for malpractices in the country. He said the elected representatives were responsible for corruption in Pakistan, as compared to the bureaucrats and generals. He added that government functionaries should not be allowed to accept gifts worth more than $100, while tax deduction and collection should be made mandatory and that an agricultural tax should be applied immediately.
Sajjad Mir, journalist and anchorperson, said a positive change in Pakistan was in the offing and the best revolution was introduced by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which was peaceful, as compared to those initiated by Ayatullah Khomeini and Hitler. Hypocrisy was the basis of intellectual corruption, he added.
Earlier TECH Club President Zubair Sheikh expressed his thoughts in his welcome note. Poet Jameel Gishkori read his poem depicting the present scenario of Pakistan, while TECH Society President Dr Muhammad Sadiq rounded off the talk by thanking and presenting bouquets to guest speakers. Former PPP minister Qayyum Nizami, former Punjab University Mass Communication Department chairman Prof Dr Mugheesuddin and former State Bank of Pakistan executive director Khalid Mehmood Saleem also participated in the discussion.