The Theft of Morality: How Nawaz Sharif Redefined Corruption for a Generation

 

The Dominance of Two Dynasties

For the last 40 years, Pakistan has largely been under the rule of two political dynasties: the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Asif Zardari, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), headed by Nawaz Sharif. These two parties have dominated the political landscape, holding sway over the country's resources, institutions, and, most significantly, its social fabric. While both leaders have been accused of extensive corruption, the true damage they have caused extends far beyond mere theft of public funds. They have fostered a culture of self-serving politics that has deeply influenced societal norms. However, Nawaz Sharif's legacy stands out as particularly destructive, not just in terms of monetary loss but in his alteration of what society perceives as right and wrong.

Zardari: A Recognizable Face of Corruption

Asif Zardari's tenure is infamous for its brazen corruption. His name has become synonymous with wealth amassed through questionable means, shrewd political maneuvering, and backroom deals. His corrupt practices were overt, well-known, and often condemned. Most citizens of Pakistan recognized Zardari's actions as a continuation of the entrenched culture of political corruption, which was expected yet lamented. His style of corruption was clear-cut; people saw it as wrong but felt powerless to change it. In this sense, Zardari's actions, while damaging, did not fundamentally alter societal values. The public remained acutely aware that what Zardari did was morally reprehensible, even if they accepted it as part of the country's political reality.

Nawaz Sharif: The Subtle Redefinition of Morality

In stark contrast, Nawaz Sharif did not just engage in corrupt practices; he actively reshaped societal values to accommodate and normalize them. His approach to corruption was not simply about enriching himself but about weaving a network of patronage that stretched across every layer of society. Sharif did not trust anyone who was not willing to be blessed by him monetarily or through other favors. This created a circle of loyalty, not based on merit or integrity, but on willingness to partake in his system of mutual benefit. He turned patronage into a cornerstone of his leadership style, rewarding those who accepted his influence and excluding those who resisted.

Under his leadership, corruption was quietly integrated into the national consciousness as a permissible lifestyle. Through his influence, acquiring wealth by any means, whether legal or illegal, became a mark of success, creating an environment where unethical practices were not just ignored but subtly endorsed. His regime actively promoted a mindset where money and power were the ultimate goals, irrespective of the methods used to achieve them.

Corrupting a Generation

The most dangerous aspect of Sharif's legacy was its influence on the youth. During his time in power, media outlets, educational institutions, and cultural narratives were reshaped to portray success through a lens of wealth and influence. The implication was clear: those who managed to obtain money and status, regardless of how they did so, deserved admiration. This normalization of corruption went beyond Nawaz Sharif himself; it altered the moral compass of an entire generation, teaching them that corruption was not just a necessary evil but a legitimate path to success.

While Zardari’s corruption was largely recognized and condemned, Sharif’s approach went much deeper. It created a generation that viewed unethical practices as not only acceptable but desirable. This transformation of societal values is Sharif's true crime. It is a moral corruption that has permeated the country's social fabric, from business to politics and has established a dangerous precedent for the future.

The Cost of 40 Years

The combined rule of these two parties over four decades has caused incalculable damage to the country’s social fabric. While both Zardari and Sharif have siphoned off public funds, Nawaz Sharif's legacy is far more destructive. His success in redefining corruption as ‘halal’ has blurred the lines between right and wrong in society. Today, reversing this mindset is not a matter of simply replacing corrupt leaders. It requires a complete overhaul of values, education, and social awareness—a process that may take generations to achieve.

Conclusion: The Gravest Crime

Both Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari will go down in history as leaders who betrayed their nation's trust. However, Sharif's crime is of a different magnitude. By redefining morality to suit his interests, he has poisoned the social fabric of the country, creating a generation that equates wealth with virtue, regardless of how it was obtained. This theft of morality stands as his most profound and far-reaching crime, one that will take decades to rectify and restore the true values of society.