“Whistle Blowing Protection Law will help people who courageous and prepared to lift the lid on corrupt practices in the country,” said National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, according to a press release issued Saturday.
The NAB chairman said that one of the major issues of developing countries is corruption with its manifestations as bribery, nepotism, embezzlement and misuse of authority, leading to socio-economic problems. Therefore the need to encourage people to stand up in the fight against corruption, he said.
Chaudhry said that under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), legislation on Whistle Blowing is an obligation on Pakistan. He said, in this media age, Whistle Blowing Act is imperative for the country.
He said whistle blowing is an early warning system in controlling corruption at the prevention stage by taking timely action. It also encourages honesty and complete dedication.
The NAB chairman said under the Whistle Blower Act, it will be ensured that public interest disclosures are properly assessed, investigated and acted upon.
It will promote culture of transparency, integrity and accountability. It will also help in preventing abuse and misuse of available protection for personal advantage or vendettas against the employer.
While stressing the need for the legislation on Whistle Blowing, the chairman said that in South Asia, India and Bangladesh have Whistle Blower Bills passed recently.
Transparency International (Germany) in its annual report has asked other South Asian Countries to enact respective legislation. He said NAB is already in liaison with Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights that Whistle Blower Protection Law may be promulgated in Pakistan at the earliest.
For the implementation of Whistle Blower Protection legislation may be supported by awareness-raising, communication, training and periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of the framework of protection. He said NAB assures sits full cooperation in course of preparation of subject law and its promulgation as deemed appropriate.
