Corruption is a global menace and a challenge for the Governments and civil society everywhere. Corruption is one of the major hurdles in social development and economic prosperity. It undermines the rule of law, destroys the values and promotes materialism and lust for money. Corruption is antithesis of good governance and negates the ideals of virtue, justice, responsibility and public service. Corruption is therefore, one of the biggest threats to democracy and growth of harmonious and a stable welfare state.
Each year, billions of rupees which are direly needed for the provision of healthcare, education, clean water and basic infrastructure are stolen through bribes and embezzlement. This makes it harder for the government to provide basic services and denies people their fundamental rights. Unfortunately, corruption has permeated every sphere of life and is eroding the very foundations of the country. The public and private sector as well as the society as a whole is equally afflicted by this malaise.
Let us therefore, individually and collectively, resolve to shun corruption and to hold accountability of the corrupt by application of law and social sanctions. There is a need to encourage the civil society to become a partner of the state in the quest to eradicate corruption. It is not only the government and its institutions that need to do more to prevent corruption and strengthen integrity but the individual Pakistanis and civil society should also be vigilant to expose the corrupt and hold them accountable.
The present democratic government is fully committed to eliminate corruption and carryout the accountability of the corrupt. The government is executing projects transparently, on merit and making judicious use of public money. We must realize that corruption weakens democratic institutions, undermines the rule of law and enables the terrorists to finance their nefarious network and activities.
On the occasion of the International Anti-Corruption Day, let us do our part to strengthen integrity, abide by the law and shun the corruption. On this day, I urge the citizens to join anti-corruption campaign with NAB to build awareness and resolve to end corruption by waging “Jihad” against this evil.
I urge everyone to make a pledge: “never to offer or accept a bribe”. Live by that motto to make Pakistan a corruption free welfare state.
Not To Be Published/ Telecast/ Broadcast By Print/Electronic Media Before International Anti-Corruption Day i.e. December 09, 2015.
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