‘Let’s work together to stamp out corruption’

Seminar held to raise awareness regarding need to eliminate corruption

FAISALABAD: It is only possible to eliminate corruption if the society develops a sense of self-accountability and if everyone plays a positive role in discouraging corruption, Faisalabad Region Anti-Corruption Director Ayub Khan said on Wednesday at a seminar held in connection with the International Anti-Corruption Day held at the Lyallpur Town Auditorium.

Khan said everyone had a certain role to play in discouraging corruption. “Let’s start by eliminating corruption from amongst us.”

He urged the participants of the seminar to resolve to eliminate corruption. “Your decision to attend the seminar is an important step in this regard.”

The anti-corruption director said that he preferred to take a hands-on approach in this regard and would hear out complainants at his office before issuing necessary orders to provide them relief.

“Corruption can be eliminated if people choose to speak the truth and not offer officials bribes to do their work.”

He said those involved in preparing forged documents must be discouraged to save the time of courts and government departments. “Eliminating corruption is not just our department’s responsibility, but a duty of every citizen…together we must strive hard to build a corruption-free society.”

Faisalabad Division Colleges Director Rana Munawar Khan said one of the ways to counter corruption was to raise awareness about it. “We could start by imparting relevant knowledge to young generations and raise awareness among the masses about negatives effects of the menace.”

He said that uncertainty often led to creating conditions suitable for corruption. “We can unlearn these responses by focusing on authenticity, bravery and justice.” Chief Traffic Officer Sardar Asif Khan said the war on corruption required long-term and short-term policies.

He urged parents and teachers to play a dynamic role in teaching children about the negative impacts of corruption.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2015.