Accountability, transparency requirements for genuinely functioning democracy

Accountability and transparency are keys to a functioning democracy and it is very important to raise voice of citizens for transparent and accountable governance.

This was stated by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar while speaking at the closing ceremony of 'Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA) Citizens' Voice Project' here on Monday.

On Monday, more than 200 representatives from civil society organizations gathered to celebrate the achievements of the US funded Citizens' Voice Project, which advanced citizen engagement with public and elected institutions to promote transparent, accountable and responsive governance.

"Accountability and transparency are keys to democracy. There would be no functioning democracy unless there is accountability and accountability by the voters," said Azhar, and lauded the Democratic Education and Accountability for promoting democracy and good governance in Pakistan.

He further said the project had empowered citizens, especially women, people with disabilities and the elderly to raise their voice and hold government agencies accountable. Azhar said the project had enabled the citizens to become part of the solution for accountable governance.

"I applaud the trust's efforts in the work shown here today to educate citizens, provide technical support to their organizations, strengthen democratic institutions and improve the electoral and political process in Pakistan," said Azhar, adding the Trust had assisted and supported FAFEN in conducting the 2018 successful Transparent General Election and the 2018 New Merging Districts (NMD) elections and will continue to do so. Working in remote areas of Pakistan was a great way to register voters, said Azhar, adding the Citizen Voice Pakistan was working in difficult conditions and terrains.

He further said the Right to Information Act was introduced by the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He further said USAID always supported Pakistan. The NADRA which verified data and was one of the best institutions in the world should be appreciated, he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019