Self-accountability prerequisite to eradicate corruption: CM

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Monday emphasised the need for self-accountability as a prerequisite for eradicating corruption from society.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organised by the Information and Public Relations Department and the provincial Anti-Corruption Establishment at Nishtar Hall, the chief minister said that corruption could only be eliminated when society collectively begins to view it as a serious moral evil.

He termed corruption as a social menace, and said that “The day we start seeing corruption as a grave issue, its eradication will begin,” he remarked. He stressed the need for implementation of anti-corruption measures beyond mere rhetoric.

The chief minister underlined the importance of seeking blessings and peace in life over the pursuit of wealth, saying that wealth was meaningless without inner tranquility and divine blessings.

He called for decisions in all aspects of life to align with Islamic teachings, and said that following these principles was essential for success in both this world and the hereafter. About the social shortcomings, the CM lamented the lack of moral standards required to overcome corruption and said that despite having resources and wealth, we are deprived of peace and contentment.

He criticised institutions responsible for curbing corruption for failing to fulfill their duties and, in some cases, becoming promoters of corruption themselves. He expressed regret that anti-corruption bodies at the national level are often misused for political victimisation, making the fight against corruption even more challenging. “It is unfortunate that as a society, we remain mentally enslaved and lack intellectual independence. If we aspire for progress, we must free ourselves from this mindset,” he added.

He urged people to prioritize the upbringing and education of their children over amassing wealth through illicit means. He noted that children raised on ill-gotten wealth often fail to respect their parents or uphold family honour.

Provincial cabinet members Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Musaddiq Abbasi and Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry also spoke on the occasion. Ministers Arshad Ayub, Meena Khan Afridi and Syed Qasim Ali Shah, along with the Inspector General of Police, administrative secretaries of provincial departments, government officials, media representatives and a large number of students attended the event.

The speakers discussed the negative impact of corruption on society, measures for its prevention and highlighted various related issues. Later, an awareness walk led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur against corruption was also held.