For the greater good : ACE revamped to curb corruption

CM Khattak okays uniforms, vehicles, incentives for dept officials.

PESHAWAR:

Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has given the nod to numerous proposals to revamp the Anti Corruption Establishment to eliminate the vice from the province.

According to a handout issued on Sunday, Khattak chaired a meeting and approved the creation of 197 vacancies in the ACE. He said officials employed on deputation basis will not be inducted into the establishment and will instead be transferred to the police and other parent departments as soon as new appointments are made.

Parliamentary Secretary for ACE and Chief Minister Inspection Team’s Dr Haider Ali, Special Assistant to CM on Planning and Development Mian Khaleequr Rahman, Chief Secretary Amjad Ali Khan, Home Department Secretary Arbab Muhammad Arif, ACE Director Ziaullah Toru and others were present on the occasion.

Khattak directed the ACE to not harass public servants and uphold their dignity during the investigation process. “Harassment will de-motivate officials and harm the functionality of the government machinery,” he was quoted as saying.



The CM was briefed on various proposals to make ACE a stronger and independent watchdog. It was directed to keep an eye on all government departments and ensure corrupt elements do not escape justice.

Monetary incentives

Officials of other departments like the National Accountability Bureau and Federal Board of Revenue are provided with rewards and incentives against their performance.

The forthcoming whistleblower legislation also contains a formula devised along the same lines. To keep the ACE on its heels and in high spirits, the CM approved a 25% share from recovered money which was embezzled, for officials pursuing the particular case. He also directed the finance department to review the plan and decide upon an upper limit for such rewards.

Intending to make ACE into a more robust department, Khattak also approved uniforms and the provision of vehicles to its officials. However, meeting attendees decided against arming them and the ACE was assured the police shall assist it fully during its operations.

Khattak said the government is committed to the cause of tackling corruption from the province and the ACE is an example of its intentions. He assured the establishment his full support and urged it to carry out its task without accepting any pressure. Vowing to make the ACE a special force, he said the required legislative cover will be provided by the government in order to make ACE’s operations smooth and efficient.

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