AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Aman Pracha, Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has raised concerns about the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recent report highlighting systemic corruption in Pakistan’s state institutions. He called on Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir to implement the IMF’s 92 recommended reforms to address the issue.
Pracha described the IMF’s findings on weak governance and rampant corruption as factual and alarming. He noted that corruption is hindering Pakistan’s economic growth, preventing the country from achieving an annual GDP increase of 5 to 6.5 percent.
He emphasized the need for strengthening and ensuring the independence of key anti-corruption bodies such as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and provincial anti-corruption establishments. Pracha advocated for greater autonomy for these institutions and improvements in the process of appointing the NAB chairman to enhance high-level corruption investigations.
To boost transparency and accountability, Pracha suggested creating a central authority involving the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Parliament, and the Establishment Division to compile and disclose the assets and powers of senior government officials.
He further recommended a risk-based approach within NAB, FIA, and provincial anti-corruption bodies, emphasizing enhanced coordination and information-sharing among these agencies. He also called for strengthened investigative capacities of the FIA and full independence for provincial anti-corruption agencies.
Pracha asserted that implementing the IMF’s recommendations could significantly curtail corruption and redirect funds into the national treasury, fostering economic stability.
Highlighting the impact of corruption on poverty, Pracha pointed out that nearly 250 million Pakistanis are affected, with over 40 million living below the poverty line. He argued that eliminating entrenched corruption would substantially reduce poverty levels in the country.
Finally, Pracha urged Pakistan’s leadership to take practical and decisive actions against corruption and called on Parliament members to play an active role in advancing anti-corruption reforms.