These include strengthening liability laws, implementing RTI legislation and protecting whistleblowers.
ISLAMABAD:
Civil society representatives highlighted ongoing anti-corruption reforms in the country, aligned with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), highlighting progress made through legal reforms, institutional strengthening, digitalization and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), Syed Kausar Abbas said it was an honor to represent Pakistani civil society at the Eleventh Conference of States Parties (CoSP) to the UNCAC in Doha, which was attended by over 190 States Parties and civil society organizations. Abbas delivered the civil society statement at the global forum.
He noted that Pakistan has undertaken significant reforms to combat corruption as a systemic governance challenge. These include strengthening accountability laws, implementation of Right to Information (RTI) legislation at the federal and provincial levels, whistleblower protection frameworks and institutional reforms to strengthen the capacity of the National Accountability Bureau, provincial anti-corruption bodies and integrity committees within public institutions.
Abbas highlighted progress in digital governance, highlighting reforms in social protection programs, land record management, asset recovery, political financing tracking, authorization systems and grievance redressal platforms. He said digitalization has reduced discretionary powers, improved transparency and strengthened accountability, while proactive disclosure of information has strengthened public trust and service delivery.
“These reforms demonstrate political will and a move towards preventative and systemic approaches to combating corruption,” he said.
