2 days ago
'CBSs introduced to foster accountability'
Cheema was in charge of the Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal desk at the ministry and was accused of sending a number of illegal migrants abroad against heavy bribes. PHOTO: NATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY BUREAU
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has announced the establishment of Community Building Societies (CBSs) in federal and provincial institutions to promote transparency, integrity, self-respect, and awareness against corruption and corrupt practices.
Terms of Reference (ToRs) have been issued to all relevant government departments to initiate the formation of these societies. The initiative aims to help achieve the vision of a corruption-free Pakistan across all institutions.
The ToRs state that each CBS will be responsible for organising lectures, workshops, and seminars to raise awareness among officers and employees about the harms of corruption. The societies are also expected to promote a documented economy as a step toward eradicating corrupt practices.
Other outlined activities include organising anti-corruption awareness walks, presenting corruption as a social evil, and arranging religious lectures during Friday sermons and other forums to spread the message against corruption.
Additionally, institutions are encouraged to promote the values of self-respect, honesty, and zero tolerance for corruption, under slogans such as: "Say No to Corruption", "Self-Accountability Is the Best Accountability", and "United Against Corruption".
The CBSs will maintain regular coordination with NAB officials and follow anti-corruption guidelines. They are also instructed to submit performance reports and event photos to NAB.
This NAB initiative is being viewed as a significant step toward institutional reform. Commenting on the move, Supreme Court Advocate Saeed Yousuf Khan says promoting anti-corruption awareness is not only a religious duty but also a national service.
