Pakistan committed to eradicating corruption, promoting transparency, accountability: president

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating corruption by enforcing strict accountability measures and promoting transparency in governance.

“Today we are commemorating International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness about the pervasive and destructive effects of corruption. This day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of all nations to fight corruption, promote transparency, and uphold accountability,” he said.

According to the statement issued by the media cell of the President House on Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari said the observance highlights the commitment of member countries of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), including Pakistan, in their ongoing efforts to eliminate this menace.

He stated that corruption undermines public trust, drains vital resources, and hampers socio-economic development. “Today, Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to eradicate corruption by enforcing strict accountability measures and promoting transparency in governance,” he said.

Over the years, he said Pakistan has taken significant steps to align with international anti-corruption frameworks, including the UNCAC, and has implemented a robust accountability regime. “However, there is still much to be done, and we must continue to make all efforts to eradicate the habit of corruption from our society,” he said.

The president said the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), as the apex anti-corruption agency, plays a central role in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, as well as in raising public awareness about its harmful effects. “The NAB has another vital role to reduce corruption through prevention,” he said.

Despite NAB’s important role, he said the fight against corruption cannot be won by one agency alone. “The challenge is vast, and its complexity requires all organs of the state to make strenuous endeavours to reduce corruption and pay attention to all root causes of corruption,” he said.

President Asif Ali Zardari said in line with this year’s theme of International Anti-Corruption Day “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” it is essential that every segment of society, particularly youth, civil society, and citizens join forces to eliminate corruption. “They must actively participate in anti-corruption efforts, help promote a culture of accountability, and offer suggestions to improve the anti-corruption framework. A change in our collective behaviour is also needed to create a culture, where corruption is no longer tolerated at any level,” he said.

Together, the president said we can ensure that resources intended for public welfare are used for their rightful purpose and that all citizens benefit from transparent, effective governance. “We should create an environment of integrity and transparency and work for a future in which character-building becomes paramount in our society,” he said.