ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Qamar Zaman Chaudhry on Wednesday said corruption is the biggest obstacle in the social and economic development of the country.
He said that NAB is trying best to make Pakistan a corruption-free country so that masses and business community can reap the dividends of progress.
Talking to President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Abdul Rauf Alam here, he said that corruption results in lack of confidence and suspicions which hits local and foreign investment which is against the national interests.
Qamar Zaman Chaudhry said that bureau was performing its duty with absolute objectivity, professionalism, and integrity.
Corruption triggers a chain reaction and leads to injustice, mistrust and suspicion, he said, adding that it generates a sense of insecurity.
He noted that in corrupt societies, everyone condemns bribery, but everyone gives and takes bribes, because nothing can be done without that.
He said that good governance ensures getting maximum benefits for minimum cost in terms of efficiency, productivity and quality but all efforts are rendered meaningless if the malaise of corruption is not checked.
The chairman NAB said, “We have reached out to the masses through media and other activities to create awareness.”
NAB had chalked out a comprehensive National Anti-Corruption Strategy for eradication of corruption and corrupt practices throughout the country, he added.
On the occasion, Chairman FPCCI lauded the efforts of Chairman NAB and supported zero tolerance policy for corruption. He also assured full cooperation of the business community in this regard.
The President FPCCI apprised Chairman NAB about some reservations and problems of the business community and said that reduction in corruption will increase local and foreign investment which improves confidence of the investors as well as masses.
He said that revenue potential is three times of the current collections which can be realised by improving confidence of the taxpayers in the system which will end dependence of country on foreign loans.