DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, said that corruption is not only a violation of the law but also a robbery of the nation’s future.
He emphasized that corruption undermines the very foundations of the country and poses a serious threat to society.
Speaking at a seminar organized by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Establishment at Nishtar Hall, Peshawar, on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, Shafi Jan said that the government invites the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to prepare a diagnostic report on governance and corruption in KP.
“Our government will ensure 100 percent implementation of this report. Unlike the federal government, we will not halt its progress,” he said.
The seminar was attended by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, former Anti-Corruption Advisor Mosaddiq Abbasi, Secretary Establishment Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Mehsud, administrative secretaries of provincial departments, as well as students and youth from educational institutions.
Shafi Jan highlighted that corruption is currently the country’s biggest challenge, weakening national foundations and threatening social stability.
“Eradication of corruption is central to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf manifesto and a top priority for the provincial government,” he said. He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, a zero-tolerance policy against corruption is being fully implemented across the province.
To mark Anti-Corruption Week from December 8 to 13, the provincial government will organize awareness walks, seminars, and various events through its departments. Shafi Jan emphasized that eliminating corruption is essential for national development, as it directly affects investment and halts progress in vital sectors such as health and education.
He also criticized the PML-N federal government, stating that corruption is not treated as a serious issue at the national level. “Pakistan currently ranks 135th in the Transparency International Corruption Index. The recent IMF report highlights corruption amounting to Rs 5,300 billion, which stands as a clear indictment of the federal government. Cases like the Maqsood Peonage, TT corruption, Omni, and other major scandals remain in the public eye,” he remarked.
Funds lost to corruption could have been utilized to build large dams or invest in critical sectors, underlining the urgent need for transparency and good governance to put the country back on the path of development, he added.
