Daily Times

President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday – terming accountability an important organ of state side by side with judiciary, parliament and executive – said that for the first time in country’s history the accountability process was underway with non-political approach.

Addressing at an event to mark International Anti-Corruption Day at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president stressed the need for starting the accountability process from the powerful.

The president said all citizens were equally accountable before law, however regretted that different treatment meted out to elite and common man was still a challenging scenario. He said unless the powerful person surrenders before law, the process of accountability should not be extended to the weaker segments.

He said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf included in its manifesto a strong campaign against corruption and called for taking more steps to bring improvement in electoral system to ensure transparency.

He said every state institution had a responsibility to check corruption, adding that citizens could end corruption in politics by rightly choosing the power of vote.

He said accountability became a norm in democratic countries, however the concept was first introduced in the State of Medina set up by Prophet Muhammad (peace by upon him).

Dr Alvi said anti-corruption departments were working in the country; however there was a need for effective implementation of law. He said that as soon as the society started realizing the wrongs of corruption, the journey of improvement would start. He said as per rules of National Accountability Bureau, the accused was liable to provide proof of wealth beyond his resources.

The president expressed satisfaction that a new dawn had set in the country for bringing back money looted from the national exchequer.

He said earlier, the accountability process in Pakistan only revolved around victimization of politicians.

International Human Rights Day

Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi in his message on the International Human Rights Day being observed today (Tuesday) said, “The observance of International Human Rights Day signifies our commitment and firm resolve towards the promotion of human rights at all levels.

Indeed upholding human dignity, safeguarding human rights and ensuring human freedom and equality is one of the fundamental principles of our religion and Constitution. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees rights to its citizens regardless of their caste, colour or creed.

The Government of Pakistan stands committed to protect and promote human rights and will continue making efforts to safeguard freedom, liberty, dignity and self-esteem of every citizen of the state.

Cognizant of the need to accord greater attention towards protection of the vulnerable and marginalized segments of society, the Government is determined to make every possible effort to put in place effective legal, economic and social frameworks so as to ensure protection of human rights.

I take this opportunity today to reiterate Government of Pakistan’s commitment to support freedom struggle of Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and to express deep concerns over the military lockdown, curfew and suppression of basic human rights of more than 80 million Kashmiris.

On this historical day, I call upon all the government, non-government organizations, media and civil society to come forward and play their role for the protection of human rights of the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir and their right to self-determination in accordance with the United Nations Charter and UN Security Council Resolutions.

“In the end, I would also like to appreciate the UN agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations and Media for their endeavours in supplementing the Government’s efforts to create conducive environment for our people. May Allah bless us in this important mission.”