IMF demands ‘Do More’ to eliminate corruption in Pakistan

Islamabad: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has demanded a do-more for the eradication of corruption in Pakistan.

IMF has pointed out government mismanagement in Pakistan and that harassment for political purposes in corruption cases should be ended. The measures should be taken to make the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) more independent in the light of the Supreme Court's decision.

In the report of the IMF, it has been stated that NAB should be made more effective for accountability. The investigative system should be improved to eliminate corruption in Pakistan, and an action plan should be prepared to eliminate corruption by June 2025.

The IMF demanded in the report that a review report be prepared in the light of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and the weak legal capacity of government institutions in anti-corruption cases should be improved.

The International Monetary Fund has also asked that information on the assets of all public officials should be made easy to access. The assets of public officials should be prevented from increasing illegally, and that the statements of assets and income of officials should be made public.

The IMF added that legislation should be passed to make the assets of government officials and members of parliament public by February. Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) should be digitised to make public the assets of all government officials.

The International Monetary Fund also said in the report that NAB is not provided with accurate data to investigate corruption and ensure transparency in state institutions of Pakistan.