I am pleased to learn that an international conference on the UN Convention against Corruption has been organised by the National Accountability Bureau in Islamabad, Pakistan.
It is unfortunate that over the years Pakistan has itself remained a victim of corruption at all levels, particularly by the country's ruling elite.
This aspect not only impeded the development, but also did not allow the fruits of progress to find their way down to the common citizen and led to great disillusionment among the people.
One of the first steps taken following the events of October 1999 was the setting up of the National Accountability Bureau.
This was done in light of pressing demands by the public for across the board accountability and the recovery of looted national wealth.
Since its inception, the NAB has been combating the menace of corruption relentlessly on the domestic front and has indeed done a wonderful job in bringing many culprits to book and also ensuring recovery of money.
However, it must be realised that there is an international dimension to the menace of corruption ie the ability of the corrupt to transfer assets abroad and secure them.
Increased international co-operation is therefore essential to allow the return of these looted assets and in this regard a joint anti-corruption initiative at the global level had become inevitable for countries like Pakistan. I take this opportunity to commend the role played by NAB as an active partner in the international struggle against corruption.
It has ably advocated the cause of the Third World during negotiations at the UN Convention against Corruption.
I would also like to felicitate Chairman NAB and his team for their dedicated efforts for convening the International Conference on the UN Convention Against Corruption. I am hopeful that the UN Convention will pave the way for removal of difficulties and prove an effective instrument for enhancing International co-operation in preventing and controlling corruption.
Comments
Comments are closed.