A man addicted to drugs was convinced by the Tablighi Jamaat that if he turned to Islam all his sins would be forgiven. He joined the Jamaat hoping for a fresh start. Wherever the group went its leader introduced him by saying this is Aslam Sahib who was addicted to drugs all his life but has now turned toward Allah. With time the entire area knew him as a former addict. One day in frustration he confronted the leader and said when I used to take drugs alone no one knew about it but as soon as I joined the Jamaat the whole area found out. Corrupt individuals receiving awards.
Exposing the Truth Behind Civilian Awards
The same situation is happening with the government’s top civilian awards. This year many recipients have a history of corruption. Social media is now exposing their criminal records. People who once lived anonymously with a respectable image are now in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Instead of honoring true national heroes the system is rewarding individuals with shady pasts. This has created public outrage because awards should go to those who truly serve the nation. When corrupt people receive them it sends the wrong message. Society starts to believe that crime does not matter as long as you have influence.
A Controversial Award
Corrupt individuals receiving awards.One of the most debated recipients is Umar Farooq Zahoor. Despite his criminal history he was honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz. His record is filled with financial crimes. In 2010 he was involved in an 89.2 million dollar bank fraud in Norway. In 2014 he committed a 12 million dollar fraud in Switzerland. He was also part of a scam worth 9.37 million lira in Turkey. He has been wanted by Interpol and accused of child trafficking. Yet he received one of Pakistan’s highest awards.
A Dangerous Message to Society
When corrupt individuals are rewarded it damages the entire system. It discourages honest citizens who work hard for success. It makes people believe that hard work and integrity do not matter. This also affects Pakistan’s image on a global level. Other countries see such decisions and question our justice system. Instead of celebrating criminals we should be promoting people who contribute positively to the nation.
Who Truly Deserves Recognition?
National awards should be reserved for individuals who genuinely serve the country. Rewarding those with a history of crime and fraud undermines the purpose of these honors. The government must create a transparent system for selecting award recipients. There should be strict criteria to ensure that only deserving people are recognized. When the wrong people get awards it lowers the value of these honors for everyone.
A Call for Accountability
If Pakistan wants a brighter future it must ensure that awards reflect true merit. Recognizing criminals damages the country’s reputation. The government must carefully review nominees before giving them national honors. Society should also raise its voice against such decisions. If people remain silent corruption will continue. Only by demanding accountability can we bring real change.
