Approved by PM, Whistle Blower Bill yet to hit parliament

ISLAMABAD: Though Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had approved the summary of the Ministry of Law and Justice regarding the proposed Whistle Blower Protection Bill a few months back, it has not yet been sent to the Parliament for legislation.

According to sources, the NAB has proposed establishment of Anti-Corruption Network of Saarc countries for collaborative efforts for eradication of corruption.

The NAB has proposed Ministry of Law and Justice that Whistle Blower Protection Act is imperative under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). “The Prime Minister approved the Bill which will now be placed before Federal Cabinet for further necessary action,” sources in the NAB told The News.

One of the major issues of developing countries is corruption with its manifestations as bribery, nepotism, embezzlement and misuse of authority, leading to socio-economic problems. Therefore, there is need to encourage people to stand up in the fight against corruption. Under the UNCAC, legislation on whistle blowing is an obligation on Pakistan.

Besides sending the concept paper for drafting the Whistle blower Act, Chairman NAB Qamar Zaman Chaudhry had also written a letter to the NAB stressing the need for the legislation.