Fri, September 18, 2026
Islamabad (Web Desk): International Anti-Corruption Day is being observed today (Tuesday) across the globe including Pakistan.
This year's theme of the day is, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity”
In separate messages issued on Tuesday to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that the day serves as an important reminder that eliminating corruption cannot be the task of institutions alone.
Instead, they stressed, it requires the combined efforts of governments, civil society groups, the media and every citizen who believes in a fair and accountable system.
In his message on the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari has called upon government officials, professionals, and everyday citizens to recommit themselves to honesty and responsible governance, stressing that a united approach to integrity is crucial for fortifying Pakistan’s institutions and fostering long-term stability and development.
He highlighted that Pakistan joins nations worldwide in observing this day, established by the UN General Assembly in 2003 to mark the adoption of the UN Convention against Corruption.
The president stressed that accountability bodies must inspire public confidence by remaining neutral, avoiding selective enforcement, and ensuring their actions are guided by fairness and due process.
He highlighted that transparency, professionalism, and ethical conduct are essential to establishing legitimacy. Institutions that uphold these principles not only curb corruption but also strengthen citizens’ trust in the state.
President Zardari extended his best wishes to all organisations working for transparency and accountability, expressing hope that their continued efforts will help build a fair, just, and corruption-free Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan joined the global community in observing ‘International Anti-Corruption Day’, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to uprooting corruption and strengthening efforts to ensure transparency.
In his message on the occasion, the prime minister noted that this year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” underscored the importance of involving younger generations in the fight against financial wrongdoing. He emphasized that tackling corruption remains a top priority for the government.
He highlighted the active role of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other relevant institutions, which are working diligently to ensure accountability across all administrative, financial, and institutional levels.
PM Shehbaz observed that the theme reflects the need for a comprehensive approach to ending corruption, with participation from people of all ages.
“Our youth are our most valuable resource and the foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and developed future,” he said, as quoted in a press release by the PM Office Media Wing.
Acknowledging that the methods and forms of corruption are evolving rapidly in today’s world, he stressed that engaging young people in preventive measures could make a significant difference in eliminating this social ill.
He further pointed out that financial corruption undermines national development, weakens social cohesion, affects the economy, and erodes public trust.
“International Anti-Corruption Day offers an opportunity for people everywhere to resist the harmful effects of corruption and reaffirm their dedication to a fair and accountable society,” he added.
PM Shehbaz underlined that corruption not only disrupts governance but also impacts citizens’ daily lives, social justice, equality, economic growth, and the principles of a welfare state.
He praised NAB for its legal actions against financial crimes, its initiatives to protect national resources, and its awareness campaigns aimed at educating youth about anti-corruption measures.
He also noted that the timely resolution of grievances for citizens who had been defrauded through organized financial crimes has strengthened public confidence in NAB.
On the international stage, PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s active cooperation in global anti-corruption efforts.
Under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the country has worked with other nations and signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on mutual legal assistance, reflecting its commitment to international collaboration against this social challenge.
The prime minister concluded by urging a renewed pledge to work with unity and shared purpose to achieve a transparent, just, and prosperous Pakistan.
“Together with federal and provincial governments, as well as all segments and leaders of society, we will continue our struggle against corruption with renewed determination,” PM Shehbaz affirmed.
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