Corruption in Pakistan: Is Siemens Guilty?

Comment

Comment by Riaz Haq on November 21, 2007 at 11:10am

I like all the comments and discussion this topic has generated. It's clearly something we are all concerned about. While I do not have any illusions that the West will act in its own self-interest, I do think it's important to challenge them on the issues of morality and all the rhetoric that we hear from them. It certainly does not absolve us as Pakistanis to do what we can to fight corruption within our land.

Comment by Adeel Razi on November 19, 2007 at 10:24pm

Riaz Sahab: I deeply appreciate your concerns about bribing in multi-national companies alongside all other national institutions where it is rife. It is considered as the part of daily routine at all levels in the hierarchy in our society. Specifically talking about Siemens, I have spent some time in Germany where Siemens is considered as a lethargic giant where it is difficult to get things done. It is primarily because of the big infrastructure they posses spanning continents.

At the same time I am quite apprehensive of the cure advised by you of bribing in multi-nationals. It may be a short termed solution that foreign governments keep a check on companies originating from their respective countries. In the end it is our responsibility to expose such elements in society even if these elements are politically active or backed by military (the recent example was the collapse of a bridge in Karachi inaugurated by the President himself). These multi-nationals are doing business in our country where it is customary to get things done quickly by bribes or if there are opportunities get commissions and kickbacks. ‘Goras’ in these companies are also humans. They are not involved in such dirty acts in their own countries because of the strict regulations that are also duly implemented. They are fearless in Pakistan where they know they can get away even if they are spotted for their wrong doings. To sum up it is more of our inability to uphold the rule of law rather than their responsibility to adhere to the high moral values they preach (it is not always true that people act according to what they preach).

I agree that this is hyper-fantasizing given the prevailing circumstances in Pakistan where nothing looks in order. But again you see, in this situation we are looking towards US or Commonwealth to help restore the democratic process. Why they should be sincerely concerned about our plights? If they help us it is surely going to be tailored to fulfil their own needs and will safeguard their own vested interests in the region not ours.

Comment by khalid Hassan on November 19, 2007 at 10:10pm

I am so doubtful about the existence or even a slightest possibility of having corruption free business (either local or multinational) in our PAK homeland that I doubt even my own doubts. I am not sure but I do know that the saying, "In Rome do as the roman’s does" (may be quoted incorrectly but hope ya'll get the point) came from the same developed western nations who claim to be the torch bearers of high morals & expecting the enforcement of their rules & regulations of ethical conduct & behavior from corporations which spend billions of $$$ on lobbying (which I consider as a fancy term of official bribery) in their own so called civilized & developed countries would be a wishful thinking. We are talking about getting away with corruption in a country where the CERTIFIED CORRUPT institutions & individuals are given amnesty in the name of GREATER INTEREST of the Nation...............I would just say Al AMAN!...AL HAFEEZ!

Comment by Riaz Haq on November 19, 2007 at 7:48am

Umair, I'm ok with expensive lunches being served as courtesy to customers. But, there is probably a lot more going on behind the scenes between Siemens and WAPDA top management, and there may even be govt ministers and politicians in on this. That is where the real problem lies. It would be a fantasy to expect the Pakistani officials/politicians to stop it as they are the main beneficiaries. But I think the German govt and other developed nations who claim higher moral positions should be cracking down on these reprehensible practices just to enforce their own laws. That is the only hope we have of containing such widespread corruption in our land that is robbing our people blind.

Comment by Umair Feroze Awan on November 19, 2007 at 3:32am

After a brief experience at Siemens Pakistan of 3 years , I can safely comment yes this subsidiary is also involved in bribing activities and since the very top management is involved they are getting away in audit checks. Every week there is a product check from the major Transformer buyers like WAPDA and upon their arrival they are served a sumptuous lunch such as to minimize inspection time and whatever inspection WAPDA ppl do is just to mark check boxes :(