In Timergara, during an event organized by CDPI under the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), the Provincial Coordinator of CDPI, Shams ul Hadi, and District Coordinator of ProGrowth, Arshad Abadali, held a media briefing. They stated that the partner Civil Society Organization (CSO) ProGrowth celebrates International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) every year on December 9 to commemorate the adoption anniversary of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2003.This year’s theme, “Uniting Against Corruption with Youth: Shaping the Future of Integrity”, highlights the significant role of youth in combating corruption and promoting integrity. The day underscores the importance of recognizing corruption as a major barrier to development, democracy, and good governance.Globally, 190 countries, including Pakistan, have agreed under UNCAC to take effective measures against corruption. In Pakistan, the struggle against corruption has faced challenges but has also seen recent improvements. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Pakistan’s ranking improved from 140th in 2022 to 133rd in 2023, with its CPI score increasing from 27 to 29. Compared to other South Asian countries, India ranks 85th with a score of 39, Afghanistan 172nd with a score of 16, Nepal 107th with a score of 36, and Bhutan 45th with a score of 62. The CPI is compiled from various independent sources and is based on experts’ and business leaders’ perceptions of corruption in the public sector, with scores ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
In Pakistan, various anti-corruption laws are in place, including the Anti-Corruption Act of 1947 and the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO). Recent amendments have limited the jurisdiction of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to cases involving corruption amounts exceeding 500 million rupees and have set the term of the NAB Chairman to three years. National and provincial anti-corruption institutions, such as those in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, are active in investigating corruption cases and ensuring accountability of public officials under their respective laws.
On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, it is essential to recognize that eliminating corruption is a collective responsibility. Pakistan needs to implement effective governance mechanisms, access-to-information laws, and robust local government systems. Encouraging a culture of accountability and discouraging corruption is the need of the hour, where public officials can be held accountable. The role of media is crucial in uncovering the truth and combating corruption. To establish a corruption-free society based on transparency and integrity, collective efforts are essential.
