Raising Awareness to Combat Corruption

Arranged and Conducted by

Sudhar Development Organization, Burewala

In collaboration with

Transparency International Pakistan

June 18, 2013

Venue: Mohsinwal, District Khanewal

Participants:

Raising Awareness to Combat Corruption was well attended by:

• The General Public:
  • 55 participants
• Speakers:
  • Ms. Farah Imran (Sudhaar Development Organization)
  • Mr. Shahid Ameer Khatar (Ex-President Bar Association Mian Channu)
  • Mr. Chaudhary Hanif (Director Wafa Organization Khanewal)
  • Ms. Robina (Education Department)

  Proceedings

  Proceedings started with a recitation from the Holy Quran and Naat-e-Rasool-Maqbool (P.B.U.H.).

  Ms. Farah Imran gave an overview of the background of corruption. She threw light on the objectives and purpose of this session. She also highlighted the importance of such gatherings to raise awareness among the general public about the prevailing corruption in society and also the need for developing strategies to eliminate it. She added that information is fundamental to make informed decisions because “information is power”.
  She went on to say that where information is not freely accessible, corruption can thrive and basic rights might not be realized. People can hide corrupt acts behind a veil of secrecy. Those with privileged access to information can demand bribes from others also seeking it. People entitled to health or education may be denied these basic services due to lack of access to information about their rights. Governments can hide their actions by controlling or censoring the media. This prevents the facts from being reported. The truth is gagged. When our right to know is denied, we can’t hold decision makers or institutions accountable for their actions. Nor can we make informed choices when we vote. If information isn’t public, we can’t enjoy many of our rights, such as participating fully in political life. We might not even understand our rights in certain circumstances. When access to information is blocked, we can never know what’s really going on.

  Mr. Shahid Ameer started with thanking the SDO and Transparency International Pakistan for organizing a community gathering on such an important issue of society. She said that people of the area faced different kinds of corruption everyday but did not know who they could turn to. She went on to say that after this session, the people of this area will at least be aware of a helpline that they can call to report complaints on corruption since “all of us should work against corruption”.

  Mr. Chaudhary Hanif in his address said that it’s natural to think of elections when we think of political corruption. People or organizations with their own agendas can skew voting. They may secretly give parties big donations. Or parties and candidates can buy votes instead of winning them. But political corruption isn’t just about election rigging. It can lead politicians in office to steer away from good government. Their decisions can benefit those who fund them. The public interest comes second. Political corruption can divert scarce resources from poor and disadvantaged people. This is especially common in countries where democratic institutions are weak or absent. Private rather than public interests dictate policy. This means an ethical line has been crossed. Governments can’t act freely and democracy can’t function. Our trust in politicians is damaged. We can turn away from involvement with how we’re governed. Then political corruption continues unchecked.

  Ms. Robina said that media can play a very positive role against corruption. Electronic and print media can point out corruption cases and also can take part in fact finding and highlighting the issue. After the address of guests, a question answer session was also conducted. Participants from marginalized communities took active part in this interactive session to clear their concepts. They were especially informed about FIR, its procedure and its due advantages. They were also given a number where they can complain with the precaution that complain must not be made based on any personal rivalry. Leaflets and brochures on anti-corruption were also distributed among them and refreshment was provided. Ms. Farah Imran paid vote of thanks to all participants.

  
  
  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awareness Session Against Corruption

Arranged and Conducted by

Sudhar Development Organization Burewala

In collaboration with

Transparency International Pakistan

June 21, 2013

Venue: Chichawatni District Sahiwal

Participants:

“Raising Awareness to Combat Corruption” was well attended by 58 participants from the general public whereas the speakers comprised of:

• Ms. Farah Imran (Sudhaar Development Organization)
• Ms. Nasreen Awan (General Secretry Kissan Sangat Pakistan)
• Ms. Bushra Bano (Anjumen-e-Falah-e-Niswan).
• Ms. Farzana Jabeen (Health Department)

Proceedings

Proceedings started with a recitation from the Holy Quran and Naat-e-Rasool-Maqbool (P.B.U.H.).

Ms. Farah Imran gave an overview of the background of corruption. She threw light on the objectives and purpose of this session. She also highlighted the importance of such gatherings to raise awareness among the general public about the prevailing corruption in society and also the need for developing strategies to eliminate it. She added that information is fundamental to make informed decisions because “information is power”.
She went on to say that where information is not freely accessible, corruption can thrive and basic rights might not be realized. People can hide corrupt acts behind a veil of secrecy. Those with privileged access to information can demand bribes from others also seeking it. People entitled to health or education may be denied these basic services due to lack of access to information about their rights. Governments can hide their actions by controlling or censoring the media. This prevents the facts from being reported. The truth is gagged. When our right to know is denied, we can’t hold decision makers or institutions accountable for their actions. Nor can we make informed choices when we vote. If information isn’t public, we can’t enjoy many of our rights, such as participating fully in political life. We might not even understand our rights in certain circumstances. When access to information is blocked, we can never know what’s really going on.

Ms. Nasreen Awan started with thanking the SDO and Transparency International Pakistan for organizing a community gathering on such an important issue of society. She said that people of the area faced different kinds of corruption everyday but did not know who they could turn to. She went on to say that after this session, the people of this area will at least be aware of a helpline that they can call to report complaints on corruption since “all of us should work against corruption”.

Ms. Bushra Bano in her address said that it’s natural to think of elections when we think of political corruption. People or organizations with their own agendas can skew voting. They may secretly give parties big donations. Or parties and candidates can buy votes instead of winning them. But political corruption isn’t just about election rigging. It can lead politicians in office to steer away from good government. Their decisions can benefit those who fund them. The public interest comes second. Political corruption can divert scarce resources from poor and disadvantaged people. This is especially common in countries where democratic institutions are weak or absent. Private rather than public interests dictate policy. This means an ethical line has been crossed. Governments can’t act freely and democracy can’t function. Our trust in politicians is damaged. We can turn away from involvement with how we’re governed. Then political corruption continues unchecked.

Ms. Farzana Jabeen said that media can play a very positive role against corruption. Electronic and print media can point out corruption cases and also can take part in fact finding and highlighting the issue. After the address of guests, a question answer session was also conducted. Participants from marginalized communities took active part in this interactive session to clear their concepts. They were especially informed about FIR, its procedure and its due advantages. They were also given a number where they can complain with the precaution that complain must not be made based on any personal rivalry.

Leaflets and brochures on anti-corruption were also distributed among them and refreshment was provided.

Ms. Farah Imran paid vote of thanks to all participants.