Corruption can be eliminated by adopting simplicity: Mamnoon

Seminar on International Anti-Corruption Day

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain Wednesday has said that corruption breeds extremism and terrorism and therefore it is imperative to completely eliminate this curse.

Addressing a Seminar on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president said that adoption of simplicity in life preached by Islam is the best way to eradicate corruption, adding that we should limit our needs within the earnings. He said that corruption is a curse and a danger for stability of states which threatens their political, social and economic fabric. “It threatens the harmony in societies and creates dissatisfaction, extremism and terrorism”, he remarked.

He said that this menace could be tackled through good governance and empowerment of people to elect their representatives through vote.

He said that sense of deprivation and injustice was increasing in the society due to corruption and before this menace inflicted greater damage to our existence it was necessary to eradicate it. He expressed satisfaction that corruption had decreased during the tenure of the present government which had also been acknowledged by international institutions, adding that the government’s resolve against corruption was laudable.

He said that performance of NAB was good but still this institution should be more proactive and effective so that the curse of corruption could be eliminated from the country.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting & National Heritage, Law & Justice Senator Pervez Rashid addressed the Seminar and expressed the government’s strong resolve and commitment for elimination of corruption. He said that the government believed in transparency and merit, adding that there had been no scandal during the tenure of the present government which had internationally promoted the positive image of Pakistan.

The president also inaugurated the launch of a story book titled “Gogi says No to corruption” to raise awareness against corruption and corrupt practices.

Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chaudhry Qamar Zaman also addressed on the occasion.

Larer, the president said that Pakistan remained committed to peace and stability in the region and hoped that Turkish Foreign Minister had fruitful discussions at the Heart of Asian Ministerial Conference. He said that Pakistan desired complete peace in Afghanistan and was ready to cooperate with the Afghan government for this purpose. He further stated that Pakistan also wanted peaceful relations with India.

Talking to Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president said that Pakistan would continue to work with Turkey for transforming strong political relations into a robust economic partnership between the two brotherly countries.

He noted that High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) was providing strategic focus and direction to further expand bilateral relations and stressed for implementation of the HLSCC’s decisions. He hoped that early conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment commensurate with vast potential of the two countries.

He hoped that Turkey would facilitate and make it easier for Pakistani travelers to obtain Turkish visa for visit to Turkey.

He expressed gratitude over Turkey’s unwavering support to Pakistan at various international fora on important issues particularly the Kashmir issue.

Talking about Syrian situation, He appreciated Turkish government’s acceptance of over two million Syrian refugees. He congratulated the Turkish leadership for the remarkable victory in recent elections. He extended an invitation to Turkish president to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

He also congratulated Mevlut Cavusoglu on his re-appointment as Foreign Minister.Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Pakistan was his second home and he was very happy to be here. He appreciated Pakistan’s role for regional peace and stability. He further stated that Turkey would continue to support Pakistan on all issues and there was a complete understanding and unanimity of views between the leadership of the two brotherly countries.

In another statement the president expressed profound grief on the sad demise of renowned journalist and worker of Pakistan Movement Qutbuddin Aziz. Paying tribute to the late luminary, He said that Qutbuddin Aziz was a noble and gifted person who rendered commendable services as a worker of Pakistan Movement and later introduced modern trends in the field of journalism.He prayed for salvation of the departed soul and commiserated with the bereaved family.