A Menace Undermining National Progress

Fakhar-e-Alam

Peshawar: Corruption, deeply entrenched across all sectors in Pakistan, continues to erode economic stability, governance, and societal values, experts said on International Anti-Corruption Day.

Professor Dr AH Hilali, former Chairman of the Political Science Department at the University of Peshawar, stated that corruption fosters inefficiency and diverts resources from development sectors to personal gains. “It hampers economic growth, fuels nepotism, and deprives people of their rights,” he said.

Highlighting the scale of the issue, PML-N KP Information Secretary Ikhtair Wali Khan criticized alleged financial irregularities in projects like the Billion Tree Tsunami and BRT. He also noted the closure of PTI’s Ehtesab Commission, which exposed corruption within months of its establishment.

Advocate Amjad Ali Mughal emphasized the need for institutional independence and effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability. “Good governance is essential for sustainable development and restoring public trust in institutions,” he remarked.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Anti-Corruption Mossadiq Abbasi revealed initiatives such as monthly Khuli Kacheris and an inclusive governance strategy to combat corruption.

Experts and citizens remain hopeful that strengthened institutions, transparency, and public participation can rescue the nation from corruption’s grip, ensuring equitable growth and accountability.