Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's recent allegations against bureaucrats holding foreign citizenship and amassing billions in corruption have reignited a national debate on governance, integrity and the state's willingness to clean its own house. These charges surfaced after the arrest of an Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), reportedly close to the minister, who was accused of intimidating a business tycoon and possessing illicit wealth. While this arrest has grabbed headlines, it represents only the tip of the iceberg.

What makes these revelations particularly alarming is the apparent contradiction in the government's own narrative. On one hand, it asserts that all appointments are made strictly on merit after thorough intelligence clearance. On the other, individuals accused of grave misconduct not only survive but thrive in the system, holding coveted positions and shaping policy. Today, the economy and appointment powers are largely in the hands of a handful of retired bureaucrats, some of whom have faced trial under NAB laws.

These instances are not random aberrations but manifestations of systemic rot. A senior serving officer is even accused of sponsoring a restaurant in clear violation of environmental laws, yet remains entrenched in the system. Such realities expose the chasm between the rhetoric of reform and the reality of selective accountability.

The menace of corruption eats away at the very values and social fabric of society. Once infected, all talent is diverted toward advancing personal interests. In countries........

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