It is often said that leaders must lead by example and set standards for the rest of the country to follow. In Pakistan, however, this principle appears inverted. While ordinary citizens are expected to comply with laws, regulations and state directives, it is the so-called representatives of the people who flout them with the greatest impunity.

The recent disclosure by the Election Commission of Pakistan that 446 lawmakers, including 125 members of the National Assembly, failed to submit their statements of assets and liabilities by the due date is nothing short of shocking. The sheer scale of non-compliance should alarm the nation. This comes at a time when Pakistan........

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