Standing United against Corruption for a Prosperous Pakistan- International Anti-Corruption Day 2017

Islamabad, 8 December 2017 - Every year, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) celebrates the International Anti-Corruption Day in order to raise public awareness of the detrimental impact of corruption and to reaffirm the commitment to tackle all forms of corruption.

This year, the International Anti-Corruption Day was observed one day earlier on December 8th at the President's House under the theme of "United against Corruption for a Prosperous Pakistan". It was hosted by His Excellency Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and attended by prominent guests, members of the diplomatic corps and the international community, dignitaries from the Government of Pakistan, media and civil society representatives. 

The key speakers H.E. Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Justice Javed Iqbal, the Chairman of the NAB, Mr. César Guedes, the UNODC Representative in Pakistan and Mr. Ahmad Mahboob, the President of Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) spoke with one voice on the need to apply and enhance a wide range of measures including observing the value of self-accountability, improving processes of the anti-corruption institutions guided by the recommendations of Pakistan's Country Review Report in compliance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), and establishing stronger partnerships with civil society organizations.

Mr. César Guedes emphasized the importance of standing united against corruption urging every member of the society including the government, non-governmental organizations, civil society, media, the private sector, and trade unions to work together in rejecting corruption. He then conveyed the message of Mr. Yury Fedotov, the Executive Director of UNODC, who vowed the commitment of UNODC to continue to work with other countries and many partners ensuring everyone is united against corruption for development, peace and security.

H.E. Mr. Mamnoon Hussain underlined the need to strengthen the rule of law in Pakistan through which the crimes of corruption are duly brought to justice responding to people's demand to eliminate corruption. Justice Javed Iqbal added that corruption cannot be tackled unless and until the zero-tolerance policy is fully implemented at every level of society and expressed the renewed commitment of the National Accountability Bureau to be the forerunner in this regard under his leadership. 

Mr. César Guedes was awarded a shield of honor by H.E. Mr. Mamnoon Hussain for UNODC's contribution to transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption governance through its Country Programme in Pakistan.

During this week, anti-corruption messages are being displayed at prominent points in Islamabad and Rawalpindi including Faizabad, Zero Point, Centaurus Mall, and Khanna area to raise public awareness against corruption. 

 

Media Coverage

1.   Samaa TV

2.   Business Recorder

3.   Business Recorder

4.   Radio Pakistan