Fighting corruption is essential to achieve development goals: FM

The Federal Minister for Foreign Affairsa, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that fighting corruption is essential to achieve the sustainable development goals.

According to media reports, the Foreign Minister has made these remarks while addressing the 7th International Seminar of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission on “Combating Corruption – A Pre-Requisite for the full realization of All Human Rights and Sustainable Development” in Islamabad on Thursday.

On the occasion, the Foreign Minister has called for immediate and robust national and international action to curb illicit financial flows from the developing world to financial safe haven destinations. He urged the OIC countries to actively explore innovative ideas and initiatives to strengthen the existing international framework to prevent corruption and to end impunity.

Also read: PM launches Pak-China Business Investment Forum in Islamabad

Shah Mahmood Qureshi has proposed the establishment of a protocol and implementation mechanism for mutual legal assistance within the OIC on issues of corruption and stolen assets. He stressed for the development of a coherent, transparent and inclusive mechanism under the UN auspices for strengthening the international legal framework on monitoring illicit financial flows and return of stolen assets.

The Foreign Minister also called for establishment of a global beneficial ownership registry besides reviewing and revising unequal investment treaties procured through corruption. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan whilst deriving guidance from Islamic teachings, has given a vision of corruption free Pakistan.

“Pakistan has taken measures to build and strengthen robust systems for accountability, transparency and integrity. We are trying to pursue a proactive three-pronged approach to combating corruption, including awareness raising, prevention and enforcement. We have supplemented existing legislation to induce transparency and openness in the public sector including through facilitating citizens’ right to information,” he added.