TI calls for enforcing whistle-blower protection law

ISLAMABAD:

The Transparency International (TI) Pakistan has stressed upon parliamentarians to give attention towards enactment of the Whistleblower Protection Acts in the country.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the TI Pakistan noted that effective whistleblower protection laws are essential for the progress of integrity, eliminating corruption from the country and fostering an environment where citizens can report misconduct without fear of retaliation. TI Pakistan further highlighted that the Government of Pakistan ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2007.

Articles 8.4 and 13.2 of UNCAC mandate governments to implement legal measures that protect whistleblowers, the statement added.

To ensure compliance with UNCAC provisions, TI Pakistan called on the federal government and the provincial governments of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan to enact laws regarding the reporting and protection of whistle-blowers, which include adequate reporting mechanisms and protective measures, in line with the UNCAC requirements.

The TI Pakistan has also highlighted that there have been attempts to introduce whistleblower protection legislation in the past, including in May 2019.