ISLAMABAD  - Rejecting the apprehension about misuse of funds and nepotism in newly launched Prime Minister's Youth Business Loan Programme, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Senator Pervaiz Rashid on Monday made it loud and clear that that there was no chance of corruption in newly launched Prime Minister's Youth Business Loan Programme and the government would ensure merit in this scheme.
"Various checks are in place in the defined process including finalisation of applicants by the board on merit and then transparent draw through electronic ballot," he said while talking to newsmen after addressing as chief guest at a seminar on "Zero Corruption: Hundred Per cent Development" advocacy campaign organised by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) here.
He said that transparency would be the hallmark of the new youth empowerment schemes as system was in place to make them graft-free. Comparing fresh scheme with that of 'yellow cab' scheme, which was launched by Nawaz Sharif-led government in the past, the federal minister said yellow cab scheme had been successful having over 98 per cent return rate of the loan. He said all the banks which facilitated the loans in 'yellow cab scheme' had recovered their money. He said that still yellow cabs were plying on the roads and if that scheme were continued the people would not have been facing transport problems now. Whenever a scheme was launched to benefit the common people there was hue and cry of corruption, which was unfortunate. Pervaiz Rasheed especially mentioned how did Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto-led government had implicated Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif during the first term of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and again Nawaz Sharif was politically victimised during General Pervez Musharraf's tenure.
Earlier addressing the seminar, the minister said that the United Nations' (UN) International Anti-Corruption Day aims to raise public awareness against corruption and what people can do to fight it." We hope that with the help of the people of Pakistan, NAB and a free and vigilant media, we would be able to improve the system and fix all wrongdoings. The federal government will continue its struggle for a more transparent, accountable and fair system for all," he added.
He said that the Office of the Auditor General of Pakistan is responsible for conducting the audit of public sector entities. It undertakes regular audit of government departments and even special audit if so mandated by the government. He said its reports are then discussed by Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly.
In Lahore, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) organised a seminar, followed by a rally. Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that corruption will end only when the society will start hating the corrupt individuals. Rana Sanaullah said that corruption is like a cancer that demolishes societies, it is the biggest obstacle in the way of progress.
He said that corruption can only be eradicated by inciting a national awareness about it. He added that when the society will start hating corrupt masses, then the corruption will itself be ended.