Corruption one of greatest obstacles to sustainable growth: Qamar

NAB chief seeks youth help in eradication of the menace

Islamabad

Corruption is globally recognised as one of the world's greatest obstacles to sustainable economic growth and building a strong moral and ethical society. It adversely affects the fabric of society and economic prosperity.

This was stated by Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) while addressing as chief guest at a national seminar on ‘Role of youth in eradication of corruption,’ organised by Higher Education Commission at Islamabad, says a press release.

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman HEC, VCs of different universities, senior faculty members and a large number of students attended the seminar.

NAB chairman said it has become one of the greatest challenges that every country is confronted with. In a recent report in the American Journal ‘Foreign Policy’ it has been reported by IMF that bribes to the tune of about $1.5 trillion change hands every year. This is about 5% global GDP. Empirical evidence throughout the world shows that it takes place in developed as well as non-developed countries although its intensity may vary between the developed and non-developed economies.

He said that in developed countries, where the incidence of corruption is limited in its extent and where common people do not encounter it on a daily basis, the adverse impact tends to be marginal and does not jeopardise the welfare of its people. In contrast, in a developing country like Pakistan, where each borrowed dollar must be spent to uplift the people from poverty, it has a significant negative impact. The average citizen suffers because the facilities which were to be created by that loan in the first place do not get established and secondly it adds to the national debt burden. He said that no one should delude himself or herself into believing that eradicating corruption will be a straight forward task. Efforts on fighting corruption in Pakistan are far more complicated compared to other countries. The fact that corruption has become a ‘way of life’ neither excuses its continuation, nor makes it acceptable for those whose lives are impoverished by its persistence.

He said that the process of accountability has to be central concept where each and every one of us needs to adopt this concept of transforming the mindset of acceptance of corruption to a one of total rejection and zero tolerance. In order to tackle corruption successfully it must be understood that the anti-corruption agencies alone cannot overcome this ordeal. All segments of society especially the youth need to stand united against corruption/corrupt practices as they are the future of Pakistan.

He said that the place and importance of the youth in society cannot be overemphasised. Youth are the greatest asset that any nation can have. Not only are they legitimately regarded as the future leaders, they are potentially and actually the greatest investment for a country's development. Pakistan is endowed with this asset in a big way.

Estimates show that 60% of our populations are categorised as young meaning in the bracket of less than 30 years of age. They need to contribute to this cause by extending full support to the state and anti-corruption agencies in spreading awareness about ill effects of this menace.

He said that there are many initiatives taken by individuals at the community level, which have achieved tremendous results. Despite bad governance there are individuals who, without losing hope, relentlessly fight against corruption. They changed the attitude of people and made strides in achieving results in the domain of their activities. Their vision, commitment, aspiration and methodology were unique and varied.

He said that to create awareness about the ill-effects of corruption amongst the youth of Pakistan, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Higher Education Commission (HEC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to make concerted efforts to root out corruption from the society. NAB is legally mandated to eradicate and prevent corruption in the country, therefore, it is determined to create a strong partnership with Higher Education Commission to create Awareness amongst the youth about the ill-effects of corruption.

He asked all segments of society to join NAB for renewal of our vows and commitments to eradicate corruption from our beloved country so that we leave for our future generations a better and prosperous Pakistan. It is more important as we celebrate the International Anti Corruption day on 9th December.

Earlier, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman HEC, appreciated NAB's performance under the leadership of Qamar Zaman Chaudhry as its cahirman, and assured his fullest cooperation in eradication of corruption from the country.