As officials regarded as competent and honest slip away, one by one, the task of offering good governance appears to be becoming more elusive than ever. There are indications it could become harder still with reports suggesting some still holding posts are also eager to call it a day. Complaints of orders delivered by the powerful and a complete disregard of rules come in from many places. Over the past few months, we have seen key officials opt out from the law ministry in the wake of the pressures they have faced. In the crucial finance sector, we have seen the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan deciding to call it a day. Though former Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin's decision to quit was officially attributed to 'personal' reasons, it is hardly a secret that he had been unwilling to continue because of the pool of corruption that surrounded him and threatened to enmesh him. The fact is that governments, especially in a state as crisis-ridden as ours, cannot survive if they are run on the basis of nepotism and a desire to promote self-interest. This is what is happening today. Even now, others are considering quitting. There are still people in this country reluctant to go along with the dishonesty that exists everywhere. It is a tragedy they are being forced out. What we will be left with is an increasingly inept pool of officials who lack integrity or the will to take the country forward. Rumour has it that even the current finance minister was appointed only after external intervention with top leaders vying to appoint completely unsuitable 'favourites'.
The government must earnestly consider the consequences of its tactics. It may see short-term gain in the appointment of cronies and loyalists willing, without question, to follow orders. But this will also mean a still further decline in the dismal standards of governance on offer. People will suffer and once more questions will be raised about democracy and its worth. The government has so far responded to much of the criticism directed its way by arguing that the problems it encounters – such as militancy – are a legacy of the previous regime. On some counts this is accurate. But those now in power must keep in mind that questions will grow more strident as time passes. They cannot perpetually hide behind the shield of past wrongdoing. They must instead explain why there has been a failure to deliver on so many fronts and why persons at key places have opted to call it a day rather than co-exist with a set up that is increasingly regarded as both incompetent and ill-intentioned.
