Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that corruption is the biggest hurdle in the progress and development of the country and all segments of the society will have to make collective efforts for rooting out this menace. He said that Punjab government has taken effective steps at government level for the promotion of transparency and merit as well as elimination of corruption.
In a message on International Anti-Corruption Day, Shahbaz Sharif said that corruption in the past had weakened the foundations of the country and destroyed institutions, however, international institutions have certified decrease in corruption during the tenure of Pakistan Muslim League-N. He said that credit goes to present government as no corruption scandal has surfaced during its tenure. He said that effective measures taken by the government to eradicate corruption and malpractices have also been appreciated by impartial international institutions. The Chief Minister said that Punjab government has promoted merit and transparency at every level and is corruption-free. He said that International Anti-Corruption Day observed all over the world in the light of UN resolution creates awareness in the masses against corruption as well as provides an opportunity to the governments and anti-corruption institutions to accelerate their efforts for its eradication. He said that elimination of corruption and ensuring transparency at every level is among the priorities of the government. He said that the measures taken by the present government against corruption are being acknowledged even by international institutions and the image of Pakistan has improved as a result of decrease in corruption.