Introduction

Corruption erodes institutions and destabilizes societies.

Pakistan ranks 139th on CPI (2012), alongside Kenya, Nigeria, Nepal.
Least corrupt: Denmark, Finland, New Zealand.
Civil bureaucracy has degraded from integrity to corruption.
Quote: "Corruption is authority plus monopoly minus transparency" – Unknown
Dimensions of Corruption in Civil Bureaucracy
Kickbacks in contract awards
Benami property accumulation
Shareholding in private sectors
NAB 2013: 57.33% corruption inquiries targeted bureaucracy
Statement of the Problem
Interface of citizens and bureaucracy breeds corruption
Evolves from petty to mega corruption
Abuse of public office for personal gain..
Social and national disintegration
Civil servants pursue elitist lifestyles, increasing social disparity
Significance and Scope of Study
Aims to explore post-2013 corruption patterns
Focuses on impact of democracy, military regimes, and plutocracy
Institutionalization of corruption in Pakistan
Calls for re-evaluation and fresh policy recommendation
Literature Review - Key Sources
National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS, 2002)
Zaka Farooq’s paper (1998) on bribery in civil service
Ayesha Siddiqa’s Military Inc. (2007)
NAB Report (2005): governance failure due to corruption
Historic roots: feudalism, industrial-bureaucrat nexus, deregulation era
Historical Evolution of Corruption
British era: land grants to feudal lords
Post-independence: refugee crisis & permit system
Ayub era: industrialist-bureaucrat nexus
1980s-90s: deregulation, SOE privatization, loan scams
Quote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." – Lord Acton
Research Methodology
Combination of descriptive, analytical, and qualitative methods
Data sources: NAB, ACE, media reports, scholarly literature
Focus on empirical case studies across sectors
Structure of the Paper
Section 1: Introduction to corruption in bureaucracy
Section 2: Historical backdrop
Section 3: Bureaucratic work culture and corruption
Section 4: Comparative analysis – Vietnam, China
Section 5: Conclusion, recommendations, bibliography
Key Analytical Themes
Corruption by need, greed, or deed?
Pervasive across rural and urban setups
Service delivery interfaces are corruption hotspots
Impact on economic performance and governance credibility
Conclusion
Corruption deeply rooted in civil institutions
Demands systemic reform: transparency, rule of law, accountability
Need for strong political will and civic awareness
Future research essential for evidence-based policymaking
 2. Historical Perspective of
Corruption
2.1. Defining Corruption and Its Dimensions:
• Corruption is defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as improper and often unlawful behavior
intended to gain personal or mutual benefits. Common forms include bribery, extortion, and misuse
of confidential information. It tends to flourish in societies with weak enforcement mechanisms or
cultural norms that blur the line between gifts and bribes.
• The National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2002) describes corruption as a behavioral issue involving
public or private sector officeholders who unlawfully benefit themselves or others by misusing their
official positions. In essence, it is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.
2.2. History of Bureaucratic Corruption in Undivided India:
• The roots of bureaucratic corruption in the subcontinent trace back to World War II, when British
India saw the rapid appointment of temporary officers due to wartime exigencies. These officials
operated under challenging economic conditions, lacked job security, and were poorly supervised,
leading many to engage in corrupt practices. The situation persisted post-war, as the transition to
independence diverted attention from administrative reform.
• According to Ilhan Niaz (2010), in The Culture of Power and Governance of Pakistan, a contributing factor was the
inherited governance ethos influenced by Ottoman statecraft. Unlike European models, the Ottoman Sultan was seen as
the sole proprietor of the empire, and this proprietorial attitude influenced the bureaucratic culture in British India and
later Pakistan. Officials began to treat the state as personal property, undermining the credibility and effectiveness of
public institutions and reinforcing corruption.
2.3. Compelling Need for Analysis:
Pakistan's governance system is highly vulnerable to corruption due to weak structures and cultural norms that promote
favoritism and bribery. A key example is the EOBI land scam, involving the illegal sale of public land and billions in losses. The
Supreme Court intervened, exposing the involvement of senior officials and highlighting the urgent need to analyze the
systemic causes of such corruption.
2.3.1. Case Example:
The EOBI case revealed how top management misused authority for personal gain, triggering legal action. This reflects a
broader pattern of financial scandals rooted in institutional failure and greed.
4. Corruption and Governance Relationship:
Machiavelli’s warning about delayed responses to crises applies to Pakistan, where growing corruption and poor governance
have created serious national threats. Challenges like terrorism, economic decline, and political instability are worsened by
decades of mismanagement and a culture of corruption. Reforms have been attempted but with limited success, leaving
public institutions weak and ineffective.
2.4.1. Symbiotic Relationship between Corruption and Incompetence

The decline in governance in Pakistan is largely due to the mutually reinforcing relationship between corruption and
incompetence. Key contributing factors include:
a. Preference for Subservience Over Competence:
Both political and military regimes have favored a compliant bureaucracy instead of a professional and honest one. While
military governments initially show better performance, they too eventually give in to political and social pressures.
b. Selective Accountability Drives:
Efforts such as Article 302, NAB actions, and large-scale dismissals began with good intent but often turned into selective and politically
driven campaigns. These fostered perceptions of victimization, encouraging civil servants to seek political patronage for protection and
promotion, which damaged institutional integrity.
c. Imbalance of Responsibility and Authority:
Senior officers often centralize authority while delegating responsibility to juniors without adequate power, reducing
initiative and increasing risk aversion. This structural flaw promotes inefficiency and enables corrupt practices.
2.5. Short Analysis:
.

A democratic constitution defines and limits the powers of government, ensuring rule of law, protection of rights, and
accountability through an empowered civil service.
In Pakistan, corruption has thrived due to a lack of shared accountability between elected leaders and public servants.
Instead of shielding bureaucracy from corruption, political leaders have often used it for personal gain. Although anti-
corruption purges—like the 1958 military action removing 3,000 officials—had strong starts, they failed to produce lasting
reform. This highlights the need for comprehensive structural reforms in the civil service, discussed in the following sections.
Pakistan’s Civil Bureaucracy and Corruption:
1. Widespread Corruption in Civil Bureaucracy:
- Departments like police, taxation, health, education, and land revenue are deeply affected.
- Data from ACE Punjab (2011–2012) shows 750 registered corruption cases and 2,847 inquiries, with amounts ranging from
Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 4.5 million per case.
- Corruption is driven by personal greed, lack of accountability, and moral decline, with public servants exploiting their
positions for private gain.
2. Media Reports (2013):
- High-profile cases involved billions of rupees in organizations like PASSCO, NHA, and FBR.
- Examples include embezzlement, illegal appointments, and procurement scams, often linked to
political interference in appointments.
3. Military’s Role:
- The military engages in commercial activities (real estate, businesses) through entities like DHA
and Army Welfare Trust, violating constitutional mandates (Articles 244, 245).
- This "Corruption Incorporated" undermines its primary role of national defense and distorts the
economy.
4. Root Causes:
- Weak institutional controls, collusion between politicians and bureaucrats, and a culture of
impunity.
- Historical lack of accountability, with reforms like the 1958 anti-corruption drive being short-lived.
5. Public Impact:
- Citizens face bribery demands for basic services (health, education, licensing).
- Surveys (e.g., Transparency International) show agencies like taxation and police are perceived as
highly corrupt.
Conclusion:
Corruption in Pakistan’s civil and military institutions is systemic, fueled by greed, weak oversight, and political collusion.
Reforms must target accountability, transparency, and strict enforcement of constitutional boundaries to restore public trust
and effective governance.
4. Comparison With East Asian States- Vietnam and China:
- Both countries face significant corruption challenges in governance, public administration, and various sectors.
- Vietnam:
- Corruption is widespread, affecting sectors like health, education, and construction.
- Anti-corruption laws and institutions exist, but implementation and enforcement are weak.
- China:
- Corruption is rampant in the Communist Party and government.
- President Xi Jinping has launched anti-corruption campaigns, targeting senior officials.
- China has anti-corruption organizations and inspection committees to monitor and combat corruption.
Key Takeaways:
- Both countries recognize corruption as a major issue and are taking steps to address it.
- Strengthening institutions, improving transparency, and enhancing accountability are crucial for effective anti-corruption
efforts.
- Pakistan can learn from the experiences of Vietnam and China in combating corruption.
Corruption in Vietnam and China: A Comparative Analysis:
This report provides an overview of corruption in Vietnam and China, highlighting the extent, forms, and anti-corruption
efforts in both countries. Despite progress, corruption remains a significant challenge in both nations, affecting various sectors,
including health, education, and public administration.
Vietnam:
1. Corruption Extent: Vietnam scored 2.9/10 in the Corruption Perceptions Index (2011), ranking 112 out of 182 countries.
2. Forms of Corruption: Petty, bureaucratic, nepotism, and cronyism.
3. Anti-Corruption Efforts: Limited due to weak enforcement and lack of transparency.
4. Institutions: Office of Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption, Government Inspectorate, People's Procuracy.
China:
1. Corruption Extent: Corruption is rampant in the Chinese Communist Party, with notable cases and investigations.
2. Anti-Corruption Campaign: President Xi Jinping's campaign, with high-profile cases and emphasis on anti-corruption
measures.

3. Institutions: Central Steering Committee against Corruption, Inspection Committee.

Key Findings:
1. Corruption is a complex issue: Requires multifaceted approach, including institutional reforms and strong leadership.
2. Weak enforcement: Both countries face challenges in implementing anti-corruption laws and policies.
3. Media freedom: China's media freedom in reporting corruption cases helps initiate legal action.

Conclusion:
The experiences of Vietnam and China provide valuable lessons for other countries, including Pakistan. Effective anti-
corruption strategies require robust implementation, institutional reforms, and strong leadership. By learning from these
countries' experiences, Pakistan can develop its own effective approach to combating corruption.
Analytical Study of Corruption:
Corruption by Need, Greed, and Deed
- Corruption by Need: This type of corruption occurs when individuals are forced to engage in corrupt practices due to
circumstances, such as low wages or lack of access to resources. It's often seen as a survival mechanism.

- Corruption by Greed: Greed-driven corruption is driven by the desire for personal gain, power, or wealth. It's
characterized by excessive and often illegal behavior, such as embezzlement or bribery.
- Corruption by Deed: This refers to specific actions or practices that are corrupt, such as bribery, nepotism, or cronyism.
Corruption in Rural and Urban Areas:
- Rural Areas: Corruption in rural areas can be linked to bureaucracy, lack of transparency, and limited access to
resources. It can manifest in various forms, such as corruption in government services, land allocation, or
resource distribution.
- Urban Areas: In urban areas, corruption can be more complex, involving multiple stakeholders and sectors,
such as real estate, construction, or finance. Bureaucratic corruption can lead to issues like embezzlement,
nepotism, and cronyism.
Government Inspection of Private Firms:
Government inspection of private firms is crucial in preventing corruption. It ensures compliance with
regulations, laws, and standards, helping to detect and prevent corrupt practices.

Impact on National Economy

Corruption can have severe consequences on a nation's economy, including:
- Reduced Investment: Corruption can deter foreign investment, leading to reduced economic growth.
- Inefficient Allocation of Resources: Corruption can lead to misallocation of resources, favoring those who
engage in corrupt practices over those who don't.
- Increased Inequality: Corruption can exacerbate income inequality, as those who engage in corrupt practices
often accumulate wealth at the expense of others.

Short Analysis:
Corruption is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach. Understanding its causes,
consequences, and manifestations is crucial in developing effective strategies to combat it. By addressing
corruption, governments can promote transparency, accountability, and good governance, ultimately
leading to more equitable and sustainable development ¹ ².
Conclusion:
The preceding discussion in Sections 1-5 makes us conclude that corruption in civil bureaucracy of Pakistan is a direct
result of nexus between political leadership and civil government servants. This excludes institutional corruption in
military sector where decision making to monopolize state resources and land (real estate) is commanded by military
officers themselves. What actually happens in the civil sector is that a chain of interface takes place between the
decision making authorities and those who actually are the beneficiaries of decisions notwithstanding their rank and
status. The dynamics of corruption is that abuse of public office for private gains, and serves as breeding ground for
corruption. Finally, corruption has developed disparate facets of generating stream of ill-gotten money through rural
and urban perspective.
Recommendations:
1. Power Sector
We strongly recommend that the power sector be reformed to prevent corruption and ensure efficient delivery of
services.
2. Tax and Customs
It is essential to strengthen tax and customs administration to prevent corruption and ensure fair collection of revenue.
3. Police and Law Enforcement
We recommend improving accountability and transparency in police and law enforcement agencies to prevent
corruption and ensure public trust.
4. Judiciary and Legal Profession
It is crucial to strengthen the judiciary and legal profession to prevent corruption and ensure fair justice.
5. Health and Education
I recommend improving governance and transparency in health and education sectors to prevent corruption and ensure
quality service delivery.
6. Land Administration
I strongly recommend reforming land administration to prevent corruption and ensure efficient management of land
resources.