Mamnoon for efforts by Saarc states against corruption

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday underscored the need for coordinated efforts against corruption by Saarc member countries.

He emphasised that countries of South Asia need to work jointly by sharing best practices, expertise and experiences among themselves to curb corruption in the region.

While talking to delegates of the Saarc countries, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president said that such seminars on anti-corruption provide a useful platform to Saarc member countries to exchange views and benefit from each others’ expertise to effectively curb corruption in their respective countries.

He underscored the need for regularly holding such seminars and conferences in the future also as part of the efforts to develop effective strategies to stem corruption. He highlighted that Pakistan is taking all possible measures to curb the menace of corruption in the country noting that the government’s approach of zero tolerance against corruption is producing positive results.

He emphasised on the need for effective measures to curb corruption in order to save resources which could then be utilised for the welfare of the people and progress of the country.

He stressed that officers and officials of anti-corruption organisations should not be deterred by any obstacle and should discharge their responsibilities honestly in order to be effective and earn respect. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to economic and social uplift of the people of the South Asian region through mutual cooperation and partnership between member countries.

Chairman NAB thanked the president for taking keen interest in matters relating to eradication of corruption and said that the president has always been a champion of anti-corruption who extends his full support to anti-corruption efforts.

Saarc delegates from Nepal, India, Maldives, Bhutan and Sri Lanka are visiting Pakistan to attend a seminar on anti-corruption. Chairman National Accountability Bureau Qamar Zaman Chaudhry and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.