These include strengthened accountability laws, implementation of RTI legislation, protection of whistleblowers
ISLAMABAD:
Civil society representatives highlighted the country’s ongoing anti-corruption reforms in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), highlighting progress achieved through legal reforms, institutional strengthening, digitization and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), Syed Kausar Abbas said it was an honor to represent Pakistan’s civil society at the Eleventh Conference of States Parties (CoSP) to UNCAC in Doha, which was attended by over 190 State Parties and civil society organizations. Abbas delivered the civil society statement at the global forum.
He noted that Pakistan has implemented significant reforms to address corruption as a systemic governance challenge. These include strengthened accountability laws, implementation of Right to Information (RTI) legislation at the federal and provincial levels, whistleblower protection frameworks and institutional reforms to increase the capacity of the National Accountability Bureau, provincial anti-corruption agencies and integrity committees in public institutions.
Abbas highlighted progress in digital governance, pointing to reforms in social protection programs, land registry management, asset recovery, political finance tracking, licensing systems and redressal platforms. He said digitization has reduced discretionary powers, improved transparency and strengthened accountability, while proactive disclosure of information has increased public confidence and service delivery.
“These reforms show political will and a shift towards preventive and systems-based approaches to fighting corruption,” he said.
