Punjab implementing zero-tolerance policy against corruption, Punjab minister says

International Anti-Corruption Day was marked on Friday with a renewed pledge to continue efforts against the menace of corruption so that the goal of corruption free society could be achieved. To mark the day, seminars, walks and other events were held to sensitise public about the evils associated with the menace of corruption.
The government designated the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) as the central authority for purporting international co-operation and combating the social evil under the provisions of the convention. NAB plays a key role in dealing with affairs related to providing mutual legal assistance with States Parties and holding meaningful dialogues at various forums, like the Inter-governmental Working Groups on Review Implementation, Assets Recovery and technical assistance.
According to Transparency International, Pakistan improved by 3 points on ranking against corruption, the only country in South Asia to do so. To mark the day, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab arranged a seminar which was addressed by Punjab Finance Minister Dr Aisha Ghous Pasha, DG Anti-Corruption Punjab Muzaffar Ali Ranjha, additional DG Anti-Corruption Punjab Nadeem Sarwar and senior journalist Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami.
Provincial Minister for Finance Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said that Punjab government is implementing zero tolerance policy against corruption. She said that legislation is being made for making Anti-Corruption Department an independent, proactive and effective investigation agency. She said that E-monitoring and Land Record Computerisation is an effective strategy of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for elimination of corruption which is also being appreciated at international level.
Director General Anti-Corruption Establishment Punjab Muzaffar Ali Ranjha said that Punjab Chief Minister has given approval to transforming Anti-Corruption Department as independent and effective investigation agency and much progress has been made in this direction. He said that National Accountability Bureau has described the performance of Anti-Corruption Department Punjab better and more transparent than other provinces in the light of standards set by European Union.
Vice Chairman Anti-Corruption Committee Punjab Rana Ikram Rabbani said that corruption and good governance are interlinked and the dream of good governance cannot be realised without eradication of corruption. He said that by providing powers and facilities to Anti-Corruption Punjab on the pattern of NAB, the campaign against corruption can be accelerated. Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami said that several departments at federal and provincial level are working against corruption but the results are not satisfactory due to over lapping of functioning, there is a need to reduce the number of institutions working at federal and provincial departments for elimination of corruption so as to improve their efficiency. He said that provision of justice results in strengthening and stability of institutions and elimination of corruption is first step towards eradication of corruption.