Government firm on eradicating corruption: Mamnoon

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday said that eradication of corruption echoes in the voice of Pakistani nation and the government of Pakistan and its institutions are in unison for impartial, transparent and fair accountability in the country.

Addressing a seminar titled “United against Corruption for a Prosperous Pakistan” organised by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President said that tradition of fulfilling the requirements of justice should be promoted by discouraging practice of hurling blame and accusations without evidence and rule of law should be maintained. He emphasised that it is necessary to ensure the rule of law because when the powerful in different segments of the society plunder national resources, the economic, political and social rights of the people are usurped. “This weakens the commitment of an ordinary and poor person towards his country and can drive him to commit mistakes in desperation”, he added.

He underlined that in any society crime originates in such situations which gradually destroys the whole social system. “Bad habits are hard to find in those societies which are sensitive about morality and try to meet the future requirements by maintaining moral values in upbringing of their new generations, he opined.

He highlighted that this secret was revealed to the world after centuries of experiments and efforts. He pointed out that we are fortunate that this is the basis of our religious beliefs, and our ancestors were those who never used official resources for their personal work. He stressed that the temperament of Pakistani society is still the same but this virtue can be meaningful only if the lawbreaking elements are brought to justice by ensuring rule of law in the country.

“Pakistani people are desirous of such a society in which everyone has equal rights and none usurp the rights of others”, he added. He underscored that when a nation reaches this level of realization then it is necessary to respect its sentiments by turning it into a positive force in order to save it from despondency. He further said that it was the reason.

He laid maximum stress on eliminating corruption after assuming his current responsibilities. He said that corruption has decreased in national institutions during this period which has also been acknowledged by the international institutions. He said that it is a very encouraging development at the national level which should be valued.

The President said that during the last few years the tradition to ensure good governance, transparency in economic affairs and accountability has grown in Pakistan. He hoped that matters will further improve with the support of people. “This is imperative for stability of the economy, prosperity and availing optimal benefits from grand projects like China-Pakistan Economic Corridor”, he maintained.

Representative of the UNODC in Pakistan Cesar Guedes said that Pakistan has achieved significant successes with regard to the eradication of corruption. He also read the message of the UN Secretary General on the occasion.

Chairman NAB Justice (R) Javed Iqbal and President of PILDAT Ahmed Bilal Mehboob also addressed the gathering. Later, President said that Prince Karim Aga Khan is rendering invaluable services for global peace and stability, brotherhood, tolerance as well as for the welfare of humanity in different parts of the world including Pakistan.

Talking to Prince Karim Aga Khan, who along with his daughter Princess Zahra Aga Khan and a delegation called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President said that Aga Khan Foundation is rendering commendable services in the fields of education, health and for rural development in various parts of the country.

He asked Prince Karim Aga Khan to extend the development activities of AKDN in other parts of the country apart from Sindh and Northern Areas which, was agreed to by the visiting dignitary. He appreciated the services of Aga Khan Foundation during the 2005 earthquake and noted that his grandfather Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan was a very close companion of the Founder of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who rendered valuable services in the freedom movement.

While thanking the President for being accorded warm welcome upon his arrival in Pakistan, Prince Karim Aga Khan said that he is thankful to the people and the government of Pakistan for warm hospitality. He apprised the President about future development projects of Aga Khan Foundation. He further said that his institution has devised a comprehensive strategy to improve the standard of education in Pakistan adding that in this regard Aga Khan Medical University will be transformed into a full-fledged University in which more academic departments will be established in line with the current requirements.

Prince Karim Aga Khan was warmly received by the President upon his arrival at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. On this occasion, he was also given Guard of Honour. Minister for CAD Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and senior officials were also present in the meeting.