These include strengthened accountability laws, implementation of RTI legislation, whistleblower protection.
ISLAMABAD:
Civil society representatives highlighted the country’s ongoing anti-corruption reforms aligned with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), emphasizing the progress achieved 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 Pakistan’s civil society at the UNCAC Eleventh Conference of States Parties (CoSP) in Doha, which was attended by more than 190 State Parties and civil society organisations. Abbas delivered the civil society statement at the global forum.
He noted that Pakistan has undertaken significant reforms to address corruption as a systemic governance challenge. These include strengthened accountability laws, implementation of Right to Information (RTI) legislation at federal and provincial levels, whistleblower protection frameworks and institutional reforms to enhance the capacity of the National Accountability Bureau, provincial anti-corruption bodies and integrity committees within public institutions.
Abbas highlighted progress in digital governance and pointed to reforms in social protection programs, land records management, asset recovery, political financing monitoring, licensing systems and complaint resolution platforms. He said digitalization has reduced discretionary powers, improved transparency and strengthened accountability, while proactive information disclosure has improved public trust and service delivery.
“These reforms demonstrate political will and a shift toward preventative and systemic approaches to combating corruption,” he said.
