"Corruption runs in our blood, especially, the government employees. A file cannot move an inch in the public offices if you don’t spend money. In my 25 years of experience as peon in a government department, I get a salary of around Rs10,000 per month, of which I have to pay 60 per cent in utility bills."
-- Muhammad Hafeez, a peon in a government department
*****
"I have seen court attendants at the Lahore High Court accepting bukhsheesh (tip) from clients coming out of the courtroom. This is despite the fact that it is clearly written at the entrance that no one is allowed to give such tips to attendants."
-- Muhammad Azeem, a lawyer.
*****
"What else can one do when nobody listens to you and your file is gathering dust on the shelves? Even to get an electricity or gas connection for a house one has to bribe local officials.We have been forced to adopt this habit which has become a norm in society."
-- Samia Haq, employee at a private company.
*****
"Rampant corruption is because of bad governance, lack of accountability, and not setting examples. If you need a job, things done at a government institution, you have to pay extra. You cannot move without offering money or ensuring kickbacks."
--Imdad Hussain, a businessman.
*****
"I feel guilty sometimes while doing a little corruption but I’m helpless. I cannot run my house without extra money."
-- Usman Akhtar, a clerk in a government department.