Economic prosperity Good governance, accountability vital: President

President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday said good governance was foremost for national prosperity and stressed raising awareness against corruption in the society. Addressing a dialogue to promote good governance for national development, the President said that without accountability, a nation could not prosper. The President said the menace of corruption had links to multitude of vices and its roots were linked to injustice, mistrust, suspicion, extremism and terrorist activities.
The President said the situation created a sense of insecurity, increases poverty and adds to the misfortune of vulnerable section of the society besides developing hopelessness and sense of despondency. He said with good governance, economy thrives and investment increases while people of the country enjoyed equal rights. He said minorities also lived freely and exercise their religion and no one was considered above law no matter how influential he or she was. President Mamnoon said the primary responsibility of ensuring culture of good governance lied on the shoulders of civil administration.
However, Mamnoon said it was the responsibility of both government officials and common citizens to be aware of their duties and play their role sincerely. He said corruption was a serious threat that unless confronted would undermine the social and economic development of Pakistan. The President said the fight against corruption was an uphill and challenging task that required commitment from all members of the society.
He lauded National Accountability Bureau for performing effectively against corruption and asked its Chairman Chaudhry Qamar Zaman to go ahead without succumbing to any pressure. He urged NAB to also catch 'big fish' of corruption so that people took lesson and be warned. The President called upon the people to boycott the corrupt people amongst their circles. Chairman NAB highlighted his organisation's responsibilities of eliminating corruption through a holistic approach of awareness, prevention and enforcement. He said NAB being a credible, efficient and dynamic anti-corruption organisation was contributing to enabling the environment for a corruption-free society.