by BABAR ALI
Transparency International (TI) has released its annual report of Corruption Perception Index on Wednesday. TI analysed the data taken from reliable sources such as African Development Bank, World Economic Forum, World Justice Project, Freedom House and Global Insight and prepared its report which is released to media every year since 1995. TI not only depends upon the statistics taken from the said organisations but also the surveys are conducted in every country to support the figures and information taken from other sources.
According to its recent report, graft situation in public sector was analysed in176 countries. Pakistan improved its position from last year and got 32 points, two more than 2015. It is pertinent to mention here that in 2013, Pakistan’s score was 28. Every year the situation improved and now our county stands at No116 among the least corrupt nations.
This trend indicates that the people have more trust in the current government. International magazines like Forbes and Economist have written favourable articles for Pakistan in their issues. Not only this but also, the renowned rating agencies of the world have given better ratings to Pakistan because of its financial and economic policies. After a long time, we have got something to cherish about. Pakistan is gaining momentum. We have left India behind in terms of GDP growth rate this year.
As the economy of the country has been put on the straight path, the anti-government elements have been trying to malign every good step of the government. Just a few days ago when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was invited to attend World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, some politicians appeared on TV screens and criticised the nature of visit paid by the PM. It was said on live tv talk shows that Nawaz Sharif was not allowed to speak at Davos. Some went to state that he was not invited at all. Well, the statements were funny and devoid of any wisdom.
An article was published in an English paper of Pakistan stating that Prime Minister was forbidden to speak at WEF Davos. That was highly irresponsible on the part of that particular newspaper. In response to that article, Media Head of WEF Yann Zopf had to put the facts straight. He said that “WEF was delighted that Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, participated in the Annual Meeting 2017 in Davos from 17-20 January. The Prime Minister has been invited by the World Economic Forum, and his agenda was prepared in consultation with his office, keeping in mind their objectives and key priorities.This included several meetings with key leaders from business and politics”
This statement clears all the doubt and controversies created by the anti-PMLN parties.
Hearing of Panama Case is in progress at Supreme Court of Pakistan on daily basis. The opposition parties have yet to get any success from there. So they are trying to malign the government through vicious propaganda on media.When international media and financial organisations are praising the steps taken by the Pakistani government, baseless criticism on government from within the country raises many questions. A report stated that India has invested a heavy amount in some media houses to create an atmosphere of uncertainty. We will have to be careful when listening to, watching or reading any media content.
The writer is an M. Phil scholar.
