ISLAMABAD: To create Awareness against the ill effects of corruption among the youth of Pakistan, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to make collaborated efforts to root out corruption from the society.
For this purpose, a ceremony was held at Higher Education Commission Office, H-9, Islamabad. The Honorable Deputy Chairman NAB, Rear Admiral (R) Mr. Saeed Ahmed Sargana HI (M) and Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhar Ahmad signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
While addressing at the ceremony, Deputy Chairman NAB, Rear Admiral (R) Mr.Saeed Ahmed Sargana HI (M) said that National Accountability Bureau has been entrusted a state function under the under section 33C of National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999 to educate and advise public authorities, holders of public office and the community at large on measures to combat corruption and corrupt practices and develop, arrange, supervise, participate in or conduct educational programmes or media campaigns, and generally to disseminate information on the detrimental effects of corruption and corrupt practices and the importance of maintaining the integrity of public administration.
He said that parents today lay more emphasis on ‘grades and positions of their siblings’ but out-rightly have forgotten to give due emphasis to the Character Building (‘Kirdar Saazi’). NAB pins hope on future leadership specially students. In this context, NAB took initiatives in 2012 and started forming Character Building Societies at School, College, Universities, Union Councils and District level. A total of 19193 Character Building Societies have been formed across the country so far.
He said that that NAB is legally mandated to eradicate and prevent corruption in the country therefore the organization is determined to create a strong partnership with Higher Education Commission to create awareness amongst the youth about the ill-effects of corruption. NAB and HEC will cooperate in, Preparation of curricula for graduate and postgraduate students on anti-corruption themes; jointly arrange Seminars, walks, conferences and workshops under the mandate of Awareness and Prevention regime in major universities throughout the country. To hold Essay, Poetry, Debates, Declamation contests, Painting & Poster competitions, Performing Art etc amongst the students of institutions under HEC and Establishment of Character Building Societies (CBS) at University level. He said that NAB hopes that cooperation with HEC will go a long way in creating awareness against ill-effects of corruption.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed welcomed the idea of joining hands with the NAB to create awareness amongst the youth and students of the universities of Pakistan. He said HEC is working on preparation of a four credit-hours course on anti-corruption, ethics and civic responsibilities for undergraduate students. Dr Mukhtar said that HEC will organize seminars, conferences, walks and other social activities with a focus on anti-corruption themes.
The Chairman HEC voluntarily offered HEC as a case study to NAB to identify systematic weaknesses prevailing in the institution.
