Firdous explains government's approach to accountability

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan has said the government believes in across the board accountability by empowering the institutions.

Talking to the media persons here on Monday, she said it is the first time that the influential people have been made subservient to the institutions. She said National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is functioning independently at present like never before. She regretted that the previous governments did not allow the institutions to function independently for their vested interests.

When asked about the bail of former president Asif Ali Zardari, the special assistant said there is a long list of cases against him. She pointed out that there are eleven references, twenty inquiries and thirteen investigations pending against the former president. She said bail on health grounds does not mean that he has been given the clean chit. She said the law will take its course against the corrupt elements.

Earlier, speaking at the launch of Information Commission's website, Firdous Ashiq Awan said the nation will continue to defeat the extremist mindset through collective efforts. She hailed the efforts and sacrifices of the armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies for eradication of terrorism.

The launching ceremony arranged by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) was held here at Information Service Academy, which was attended by a large number of students and civil society representatives.

She said it is because of their joint efforts that peace stands restored and bright face of Pakistan is being introduced in the world.

Referring to the launch of Information Commission's website, the special assistant said it is aimed at providing credible and certified information to the people including the journalists about any institution or the priorities of the government.

She said the Information Commission since its establishment last year has received two hundred and twenty applications. Of these, one hundred have been addressed by the commission.

When asked whether Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Malaysia for attending Kuala Lumpur Summit or not, she said that the decision will be taken 'in accordance with national interest.'

Director SSDO Syed Kausar Abbas said on the occasion that right to information is a basic toll for the social accountability, adding that using the right to information laws the citizen can make the public bodies accountable. He maintained that launching website of PIC is a step towards digital Pakistan, adding it will facilitate the citizen in the provision of information within the stipulated time period given in the law.

Meanwhile, Awan in her tweet said that PM Imran Khan is visiting Bahrain on the invitation of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and he will participate as a guest of honor in Manama's national day event. Bahrain will confer its highest civilian award on PM Imran Khan, she added.

The visit will open new doors for the enhancement of bilateral cooperation among countries connected with the relations based on joint culture, religion and confidence. Awan said that the people of both countries are passionate to strengthen bilateral ties, whereas more than 100,000 Pakistanis are playing a role in the economic development of Manama.

She expressed hopes that PM Imran Khan's recent visit will promote trade and investment in Pakistan.