‘Corruption behind pervious government collapse’

KABUL (Pajhwok): Participants of a ceremony marking International Anti-Corruption Day in Kabul on Thursday said it was corruption that led to the collapse of the previous government, stressing the government should be accountable in the fight against graft

The day (Dec 9) was celebrated in the ceremony organized by Afghan Paramount Welfare and Development Organization (APWDO) in Kabul with financial support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Dozens of university professors and members of civil society institutes attended the event.

Tariq Sais, APWDO head, told the gathering that corruption caused the collapse of Afghanistan’s previous government.

“Former officials had no mercy on people and they robbed government resources,” he alleged. Institutions became more and more corrupt and the gap between the government and people widened, he added.

He said the government should be accountable in order to eliminate corruption in the country and people should be aware about government’s firmness so it would help prevent embezzlement of government resources. He said that the fight against corruption should involve all members of society.

Abdul Hadi Safi, a member of the Academy of Sciences of Afghanistan, told the gathering that he had provided various anti-corruption plans to the previous government but the government ignored them.

He said corruption would be eliminated in the country if rulers of the country were chosen from within the nation. “After political changes in the country, hopes about fighting against graft have increased”, he added.

“If every person considers God to be present, keeps his faith pure, takes into account moral and national values, respects the laws, it will be easier to prevent corruption,” Safi said.

A university professor, SafiullahArabzada, said that if human beings were faithful, they would never misuse the interests of the nation and would not engage in corruption.

Journalist EnayatullahKakar also called on the government to give value to the media and support it so it would play its role in fighting corruption in the country.

UNDP in today’s ceremony awarded seven people, including editor of Pajhwok Afghan News, for their anti-corruption efforts.

mds/ma