ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi 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 was addressing the 7th International Seminar of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission on “Combating Corruption – A Pre-Requisite for the full realization of All Human Rights and Sustainable Development” here on Thursday.
The Foreign Minister said fighting corruption is essential to achieve the sustainable development goals. 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. He proposed the establishment of a protocol and implementation mechanism for mutual legal assistance within the OIC on issues of corruption and stolen assets.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi 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. He also called for establishment of a global beneficial ownership registry besides reviewing and revising unequal investment treaties procured through corruption.
The Foreign Minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan whilst deriving guidance from Islamic teachings, has given a vision of corruption free Pakistan. He said Pakistan has taken measures to build and strengthen robust systems for accountability, transparency and integrity. He said we are trying to pursue a proactive three-pronged approach to combating corruption, including awareness raising, prevention, and enforcement.
He said we have supplemented existing legislation to induce transparency and openness in the public sector including through facilitating citizens’ right to information. He pointed out that Pakistan’s Citizen Portal app has received international recognition for an effective use of technology for enhancing public delivery. He said due to our sustained efforts, visible positive socio-economic changes are taking place in the country.
