Lifting the lid: NAB chief calls for law to protect whistle-blowers

Says legislation needed to protect people who disclose corrupt practices.

ISLAMABAD: The Whistle-Blowing Protection Law will help people who are courageous and ready to lift the lid on corrupt practices in the country, said National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry.

He said that one of the major issues of developing countries is corruption with its manifestations as bribery, nepotism, embezzlement and misuse of authority, leading to socio-economic problems. Therefore, the need to encourage people to stand up in the fight against corruption, says a NAB press release.

Chaudhry said under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, legislation on whistle-blowing is an obligation on Pakistan. He said, in this age of free media, the Whistle Blowing Act is imperative for the country. Calling whistle blowing an early warning system in controlling corruption in one’s own department, he said that taking timely action was important. The law would also encourage honesty and complete dedication.

The NAB chairman said under the Whistle Blower Act, it will be ensured that public interest disclosures are properly assessed, investigated and acted upon. It will promote a culture of transparency, integrity and accountability. It will also help in preventing abuse and misuse of available protection for personal advantage or vendettas against the employer.

While stressing the need for the legislation on whistle-blowing, chairman said that in South Asia, India and Bangladesh have Whistle Blower Bills passed recently. Transparency International in its annual report has asked other South Asian countries to enact respective legislation.

He said NAB is already liaising with the ministry of law, justice and human rights so that the Whistle Blower Protection Law may be promulgated at the earliest. For this purpose, legislation may be supported by awareness-raising, communication, training and periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of the framework of protection. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2015.