UPPER DIR: The Pro-Growth Organization’s District Coordinator, Arshad Abdali, has said that International Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated every year on December 9th to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in 2003.
The District coordinator of Pro-growth Upper Dir, Arshad Abdali was addressing in a press briefing here in Dir, along with other officials. He said that the topic for this year is “Uniting the Next Generation Against Corruption,” which highlights the crucial role of youth in eradicating corruption and promoting integrity,he added.
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This day emphasizes the importance of recognizing corruption as a major obstacle to development, democracy, and good governance. Pakistan, along with 190 other countries, has agreed to take effective measures against corruption under the UNCAC.
In Pakistan, the fight against corruption has seen recent improvements, despite challenges. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Pakistan’s ranking improved from 140th in 2022 to 133rd in 2023, with a CPI score increasing from 27 to 29.
In comparison to other countries in South Asia, India ranked 85th with a score of 39, Afghanistan ranked 172nd with a score of 16, Nepal ranked 107th with a score of 36, and Bhutan ranked 45th with a score of 62.
The CPI score is compiled from various independent sources based on perceptions of corruption in the public sector by experts and businesspeople. The score ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
To combat corruption effectively in Pakistan, various laws have been enacted, including the Anti-Corruption Act of 1947 and the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO). Recent amendments have extended the tenure of the Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to three years and limited NAB’s jurisdiction to cases involving corruption of over Rs 500 million.
National and provincial anti-corruption institutions are active, including anti-corruption establishments in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, which investigate corruption cases and ensure accountability of public officials under their respective laws.
On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, it is essential to acknowledge that eradicating corruption is a collective responsibility. Pakistan must enforce effective governance mechanisms, access to information laws, and strengthen local governments. Promoting a culture of accountability and discouraging corruption is the need of the hour, where public officials can be held accountable.
The media plays a crucial role in eradicating corruption and revealing facts. We must work together to establish a corruption-free society based on transparency and integrity.
