PESHAWAR: Seminars and walks were held in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday to create awareness among people against the menace of corruption.

The participants of the events said that no country could make progress without eliminating corruption. They called for concerted efforts to eradicate corruption.

A seminar was organised in Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, on Thursday wherein speakers termed corruption a main obstacle to progress and prosperity. They suggested reforms in institutions and stressed the need for creating awareness among people to eliminate corruption.

Vice-chancellor Prof Zahid Hussain and Deputy Commissioner Qaiser Khan addressed the seminar. A large number of faculty members and students as well as the assistant commissioner, Mohammad Riaz Ahmed and registrar Prof Aizaz Ahmed also attended the event.

Seminars and walks held in various districts

Speakers said that corruption was not only a moral crime but also forbidden in Islam. They said that no country could make progress without eliminating corruption. They said that corrupt practices damaged society.

In Shangla, a rally was organised to raise awareness among people about the evils of corruption. The rally was attended by officials of various departments and local elders. The participants of the rally were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against corruption.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Fawad and other speakers said on the occasion that corruption was a menace that was destroying social and economic systems. “We must unite to rid our society of this curse,” they said.

DPO Imran Khan said that law enforcement agencies would take strict action against corrupt elements. He said that cooperation of people was essential for elimination of corruption.

At the conclusion of the rally, participants pledged to uphold the principles of transparency, justice and accountability.

In Bajaur, a conference was held in connection with anti-corruption week. People from different walks of life including local elders, religious leaders, traders and political and social activists attended the event.

Officials of district administration, government departments, local bodies’ representatives and students of various educational institutions were also present on the occasion.

Deputy Commissioner Shahid Ali Khan, Maulana Habibullah Khan Asi, Khar tehsil council chairman Haji Said Badshah and the assistant commissioner, Dr Sadiq Ali, addressed the seminar and highlighted the impacts of corruption on society.

They said that corruption was a menace that was damaging the society both morally and economically. They said that there were several anti-corruption watchdogs and laws to make the country free of corruption.

Later, an awareness walk was also held.

In Bannu, speakers at a seminar called for making concerted efforts to eradicate corruption and promote transparency, honesty and trustworthiness in the society.

The seminar was organised by district administration in connection with anti-corruption week being observed on the directives of provincial government.

The deputy commissioner, Abdul Hameed Khan, the additional deputy commissioner, Aminullah Khan, Mufti Abdul Ghani and others addressed the seminar. They said that corruption was a serious crime and it undermined the country’s economic development and stability.

They said that people from all segments of society should come forward and play an effective role to eliminate the menace completely. They said that strict adherence to the teachings of Islam was helpful to get rid of corruption and malpractices and promote transparency.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2024