Students urged to play active role in curbing corruption

The University of Karachi’s (KU) Faculty of Management and Administrative Sciences in collaboration with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) would include anti-corruption studies and ethics in the curriculum, besides another programme wherein active participation of students would be sought.

This was observed by NAB’s Director Investigation Wing, Financial Crime, Zafar Iqbal Khan, while addressing a seminar, Role of youth in fight against corruption, at KU on Friday.

NAB was established in 1999 through an ordinance which was later transformed into an act by the parliament in the 17th constitutional amendment, said the director. He added that the investigative agency launched a national anti-corruption strategy in 2002 to eradicate corruption. “Only an exemplary accountability system can promise economic growth.” 

Khan claimed NAB had so far recovered looted public funds worth Rs278 billion since its inception in 1999, which was a great achievement.

Referring to an agreement signed with the Higher Education Commission, NAB said the MoU was signed to include anti-corruption studies and ethics in the curriculum being taught at various varsities. Khan further observed that role of youth and students was pivotal in curbing corruption.

KU’s acting vice chancellor, Prof Dr Khalid Iraqi, said lack of rule of law was the major reason behind rampant corruption. “A strict accountability system is needed to put a stop to corruption.” Prof Iraqi said judiciary as an institution also had a key role to play in this regard since its major responsibility was to safeguard implementation of rule of law and ensure prevalence of justice in society.

Media’s efforts in exposing influential corrupt individuals were also appreciated by Prof Iraqi. We must educate our youth in fighting against corruption by becoming their role models, he said, adding, we should all in our individual capacities take stern actions to stop corruption.

“Only complete intolerance towards corruption can curb it.”

He called for giving exemplary punishments to corrupt individuals so that others keep away from indulging in such practices. 

KU Registrar Prof Dr Moazzam Ali Khan highlighted the role of varsities in curbing the societal menace of corruption and also urged teachers in incorporating ethical values in students.