Bureaucratic Problems of Deep-Rooted Corruption in Pakistan

(A Suggested Action)

Bureaucracy:

A bureaucracy is any organization composed of multiple departments, each with policy- and
decision-making authority. Bureaucracy is all around us, from government agencies to offices to
schools, so it's important to know how bureaucracies work, what real-world bureaucracies look
like, and the pros and cons of bureaucracy.

A bureaucracy is an organization, whether publicly or privately owned, made up of several

policymaking departments or units. People who work in bureaucracies are informally known as
bureaucrats.

Bureaucratic Problems:

Bureaucratic problems refer to issues and challenges within bureaucratic organizations or

systems. Bureaucracies are formal, hierarchical structures characterized by rules, regulations, and
standardized procedures. While they are designed to ensure efficiency and order, they can also
give rise to various problems.

Some of them are:

1. Bureaucratic culture is insufficient for generating state cohesiveness, but it also might be
unstable over time. (States needs independence to be creative)
2. "Red Tape" - complex procedures and long waiting time for simple requests (home
loan).
3. Duplication- sometimes several bureaus end up doing the same thing.
4. Waste - bureaus sometimes spend more money on things that can be purchased with a
discount elsewhere.
5. Officials inevitably distort information which they relay upwards to their superiors or
downwards to their subordinates
 6. Distortions tend to become cumulative rather than self-correcting as the number of
hierarchical levels involved rises.
7. Officials also distort the orders they receive from their superiors, interpreting them to
their own benefit as they develop the implications of those orders for their subordinate.

Some of the Bureaucratic Problems Example in Pakistan:

On January 11, 2023, a headline made it to the major news publications of Pakistan: Funds
meant for low-income students ended up being used to purchase memberships for the elite
Islamabad Club.

Two executive members of the National Endowment Scholarship for Talent (NEST) are
dismissed for splurging at least Rs 25 million on the club’s membership. NEST is an autonomous
programme for eligible and deserving students, headed by the Additional Secretary of the
ministry of education.

According to a report by Dawn, in November 2021 the board of directors of NEST approved
corporate membership in the club for the whole organization and nominated the names of four
top bureaucrats. The list included Athar Hussain Zaidi, Faysal Qasim, Qamar Safdar and
Quratulain Talha; with monthly subscription charges to be paid by NEST.

Months later, the CFO forwarded this request to the then CEO Mohiyuddin Wani and the
approval was granted accordingly. Mr. Wani was later posted to Gilgit-Baltistan as the chief
secretary. However, Wani’s successor Asim Iqbal, released the amount to Islamabad Club before
being posted to Cabinet Division as Additional Secretary.

Deep-Rooted Corruption:

Corruption is defined by Transparency International as:

“The abuse of entrusted power for private gain which eventually hurts everyone who
depends on the integrity of people in a position of authority”

Throughout history, civilizations have risen and fallen, eras have changed, and societies have
evolved. However, one constant has managed to persist across epochs and geographies, lurking
in the shadows, stymieing progress, and eroding the very foundations of society: corruption. This
complex and multifaceted issue, which manifests as the unethical exploitation of power for
personal benefit, is more than just individual acts of bribery or embezzlement. It's a systemic
malady, a cultural blight, and often a structured and organized enterprise that impacts every facet
of our lives.

From the bustling metropolises of the developed world to the rural heartlands of emerging
economies, no region is truly insulated from its grasp. Corruption's impact is not just felt on a
transactional level but ripples through the socio-economic and political landscapes, distorting
realities, shaping perceptions, and often dictating the trajectory of nations.

At an economic level, corruption acts as a deterrent to both domestic and foreign investment.
Investors, uncertain about the transparency and fairness of processes, often hesitate to invest in
environments they perceive as corrupt. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF),
corruption reduces global tax revenues by over $1 trillion annually, funds that could otherwise be
used for public welfare.

Societally, corruption erodes trust. When individuals believe that success and progress are not
based on merit but on one’s ability to 'game the system,' it breeds cynicism and apathy. This loss
of faith in institutions can lead to a decline in civic participation, resulting in a populace that is
less engaged, less informed, and less empowered.

Politically, corruption is a death knell for democracies. When votes can be bought, when policies
can be influenced by shadowy lobbies, and when public leaders act in self-interest rather than the
greater good, it undermines the essence of democratic governance. Such scenarios not only
suppress the voice of the people but can also lead to political instability and, in extreme cases,
pave the way for autocratic regimes.

On a global scale, corruption exacerbates inequalities, both within and among nations. It hinders
efforts to address pressing global challenges, such as climate change, public health crises, and
educational disparities. When international collaborations are tainted by corrupt practices, it
affects collective trust, making unified action difficult.

“Bureaucrats are part of the society. Because they hold so much discretion, it is easy for them to
take up the opportunity and make themselves rich. The system is complicated, with many layers
of accountability such as the courts, NAB, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This complicates the
system, and ends up distorting the process of accountability. “First and foremost, government
officials’ business and personal activities should not be classified information. There should be
transparency in what they and their families do and transact on a daily basis,”

The education sector, particularly, falls vulnerable to corrupt practices. Since the 18th
amendment the education sector has faced major administrative reforms also. “Previously the top
officials were advisors, experts of the field. But after the legislation, the education ministry has a
joint secretary, deputy secretary who comes due to postings and lacks professional training in the
particular field. Because they know they are going to be shifted elsewhere within a couple of
years, they are more likely to be involved in corrupt practices.

Training such as National Management Course (NMC) and Middle-Management Class (MMC)
does not involve financial management. This creates a lot of loopholes in auditing and a lot of
times those officials get involved in embezzlement practices who don’t even know how and
when their name was used. “The subordinates sign files due to the pressure from their seniors
who get posted for a particular assignment. These people often get caught due to their lack of
knowledge of the financial system. You know many times; a lot of government officials
altogether avoid working on a new education project simply because they are afraid of what
might catch them during the audit.

In Pakistan Context:

Pakistan scored 32 points out of 100 (0 being highly corrupt and 100 being the fairest). The
highest Pakistan has ever scored in this list is 33 out of 100, which is a clear indication of how
deep-rooted corruption is in Pakistan. Pakistan ranked 120 out of 180 countries on the CPI in
2019.

Corruption has always been one of the biggest problems faced by Pakistan. It has been a dire
obstacle in Pakistan’s growth as a country. Corruption in Pakistan is not only present at the
governmental level but it has been a part of our grass-root level since the beginning as well.
Bribing is a form of corruption and almost every industry, business, and even an individual has at
least once faced it or been a part of it.
Corruption in Pakistan starts from a vegetable vendor putting extra weights to get more money
and give fewer vegetables in return, to a government minister taking advantage of his position to
secure more assets and bank balance.

Corruption at the governmental level has been there for as long as this country came into
existence. For a couple of decades now, Pakistan has been in the most terrible state of corruption.
Politicians of this country have taken advantage of their positions without caring about their
responsibilities towards this country.

Corruption has ruined Pakistan and is bringing about an increase in poverty, joblessness, hunger,
and has destroyed the image of the nation by causing severe displeasure to its countrymen.
Corruption has been profoundly present in all levels either private or government and anti-
corruption organizations have neglected to address this or even lessen this issue.

Pakistan has a long way to go against corruption, it’s not easy to overcome something that has
been around since forever that too in a couple of years but it is indeed possible to overcome it if
we take one step at a time. The issue of corruption is not that our politicians are corrupt but it is a
problem because every other normal person in this country is also in a way corrupt. Before
pointing out to the governments, we should analyze ourselves. Greater issues like corruption are
solved mutually. Helping the government overcome it should be our aim rather than pointing
fingers at them.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the concept of bureaucracy, as examined through its definition, historical roots,
and real-world examples, provides a lens through which we can understand the organizational
structures that govern various aspects of our lives. Max Weber's insights into the efficiency and
potential drawbacks of bureaucracy highlight the delicate balance required to harness its benefits
while mitigating its negative consequences.

The examples of bureaucratic problems, both general and specific to Pakistan, underscore the
challenges inherent in formal, hierarchical structures. Issues such as red tape, duplication, waste,
and distorted information flow illustrate the potential pitfalls that bureaucracies face, especially
when not properly managed. The case of funds misappropriation in Pakistan's National
Endowment Scholarship for Talent (NEST) serves as a stark reminder of how bureaucratic
systems can be susceptible to deep-rooted corruption, impacting the very institutions meant to
serve the public good.

Delving into the broader issue of corruption, we recognize its pervasive and corrosive impact on
societies worldwide. Corruption extends beyond individual acts of malfeasance; it becomes a
systemic problem with far-reaching consequences for economic development, societal trust, and
political stability. The case of Pakistan, ranking low on the Corruption Perception Index,
highlights the urgent need for comprehensive anti-corruption measures.

The nexus between bureaucracy and corruption, particularly in sectors like education, further
exemplifies the challenges faced by developing nations. The lack of transparency, coupled with
insufficient training and accountability mechanisms, creates fertile ground for corrupt practices.
Addressing corruption in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing legal reforms,
transparent systems, and a cultural shift towards ethical governance.

While the road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, the conclusion drawn is not one of resignation
but a call to action. Recognizing that corruption is deeply entrenched in various facets of
Pakistani society, from grassroots to government, emphasizes the need for collective
responsibility. Rather than solely blaming politicians, fostering a societal commitment to
integrity and accountability is crucial for lasting change.

In the pursuit of a corruption-free future, it is imperative for individuals, institutions, and the
government to work collaboratively. Only through collective efforts, rooted in transparency,
education, and a commitment to ethical values, can Pakistan overcome the scourge of corruption
and pave the way for a more just and prosperous society.

Suggestions:

 Customer dissatisfaction in terms of bureaucratic system could be improved by reducing

paperwork, files and registrations. The step would be asking for feedback, finding the
issues, solving the problems, getting next feedback, continuing the cycle.
 Rising the creativity of employees this would help to avoid limited growth. Simplifying
rules and regulations would be the solution here. Creating an open atmosphere, would
rise creativity and freedom of employees.
  Redundant information channels and devices to bypass intermediate levels in the
hierarchy are ostensibly inefficient. They are necessary so that top-level officials can
check on the amount of distortion occurring in "official" channels.
 Delegate less. Delegate the power to one institution.
 Pass the REINS Act. Delegate the power from bureaucrats to legislators to make it
easier.
 Mandate cost benefit analysis. To see if the regulations have net benefits and review by
judges.
 Bring independent agencies within the control of the government.

The main conclusion to be drawn is that undertaking reforms (both economic and political) by
reducing institutional weaknesses offers the best hope to overcome corruption. Corruption will
not disappear because of reforms. But reforms will bring it under control and minimize its
adverse consequences so that the country can proceed with its efforts to become a modern,
developed nation with a good chance of attaining that goal.

Source:

 https://www.thoughtco.com/bureaucracy-definition-examples-pros-cons-4580229
 https://prezi.com/qrbukamj2-di/bureaucracy-problems-and-solutions/
 https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/01/29/the-paradox-of-pakistans-bureaucracy/
 https://medium.com/@pritamkumarsinha/corruption-the-deep-rooted-culprit-behind-global-
issues-d92811a24250
 https://thesishelp.com.pk/blogs/corruption-in-pakistan
 https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/apdj-7-2-2-Myint.pdf