ISLAMABAD: The Senate’s Finance Committee, led by Senator Saleem Mandviwala, convened in Islamabad to review the IMF’s latest Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Report, which estimates corruption costs the country approximately Rs. 5,300 billion.
During the session, Senator Dilawar Khan raised concerns about whether appropriate action would be taken against the institutions implicated in the report. He highlighted a troubling incident involving an FBR officer in Lahore, who allegedly demanded a share in a refund case and reportedly opened fire when his demand was refused.
Senator Abdul Qadir also voiced his concerns, revealing that a CDA official involved in corruption amounting to billions of rupees was sent to Adiala Jail, but was later transferred to a more prominent position after a settlement. He accused powerful mafias of controlling the system and criticized the current governance structure for being unable to effectively combat corruption.
Senator Farooq H. Naik questioned whether the government recognizes the irregularities and systemic weaknesses outlined in the report, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations.The committee members and Chairman Mandviwala expressed deep concern over the rising trend of corruption instead of its decline, with many noting that the problem remains unaddressed.
A representative from the Finance Ministry stated that the government is already working on resolving most of the issues highlighted in the report, though the committee members remained apprehensive about the overall situation.
