Eyewitness or accomplice?

Recently with grand fanfare, a senior bureaucrat has published his autobiography titled “The Eyewitness”. It is an interesting tale reported as a bystander or observer not as an accomplice. Usually, an eyewitness has firsthand knowledge of an event without active participation in the implementation. Those who implement illegal orders, prepare the necessary paperwork and summaries do not qualify as witness. In fact, they are party to the act committed. 

During my term as Chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), the last hour of the day was reserved for file work. Most government decisions are still taken on the files. Implementation takes place after the signatures of the head of the department (HOD). The file travels full circle, all objections must be removed. Both the internal and external auditors must concur otherwise order is stalled. It is a very intensive, foolproof system. Any relevant person can dissent or raise an objection on the file. One day out of curiosity, I asked my Personal Secretary (PS): “With so many checks how does corruption take place?” His answer was short and simple, “When everyone joins in.” In other words, they are all accomplice to the crime. 

In a closed colonial system, there are no bystanders or eyewitnesses, only accomplices otherwise they should have courage to dissent on the file to set the course of the outcome. History is penned by the historians after the event has taken place. Those who are participants and operate in the shadows outside public view must carry the blame for the misadventures that have repeatedly taken place in the land of the pure.

Every civil servant takes an oath to defend the Constitution and to obey lawful orders. Supra-constitutional orders usually hurt national interests and should be opposed. Unfortunately, dissent carries a heavy price which no one is willing to pay; instead becoming an eyewitness is a much safer course to follow. A witness must be neutral and unbiased to be of value. Hostile or attached individuals do not qualify as eyewitness as their own interests come in the way. 

Pakistan started off well. Individuals in authority stood firm to protect national interests, but over the years they drifted. Survival has become important. Defiance is avoided to move up the ladder. Qudratullah Shahab was the Principal Secretary to Ayub Khan when he was toppled by Yayha Khan. On the very first day in office, the entire staff of the Presidency welcomed the new boss and showered him with praises. Only Shahab Sahib asked to be released from duty. He left the powerful office in grace to retire with his honor intact. His autobiography,“Shahabnamah”, is worth reading.

Those who can control the unfolding of events are obligated to act not stand as observers to later report their eyewitness accounts as bystanders. Those who can make a difference and contribute to national well-being have a sacred duty to perform. All they need is courage, resolve and love to serve the nation.