As per a Swiss Bank director, Pakistanis have more than $97 billion in their banks. It raises the question that whose money is this? It can’t be of the government money or money that has been earned through legal transactions. Thus, it would stand to reason that it would be the looted black money, kickbacks or commissions. It’s amazing that the nation is dying due to poverty, hunger and disease and is begging the world but is not trying to get this money.
I am surprised that this very important news didn’t get the attention of media, civil society and above all the parliamentarians. The US forced the Swiss government to provide the details of money deposited by their citizens, so why can’t we? If we don’t stop the plundering which is going on unabated, then rest assured we are heading for disaster. If the acts of brave cameraman and then media pressure could bring the Sialkot killers to gallows then there is no reason that we can’t get this money.
It’s time to rise against corruption and corrupt elements who are looting Pakistan with booth hands. The media must unearth the truth behind this: the writers must pick up their pens, the anchors should highlight this issue and the political parties who feel they have clean hands must prove it now. The corrupt billionaires must be punished and recovery must be made. It’s not the time to think but to act.
BILAL SHAHID
Lahore
