ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain has underscored the need for coordinated efforts against corruption by SAARC member countries. Talking to delegates of SAARC anti-corruption seminar who called on him in Islamabad today, the President said the SAARC countries should benefit from each other's experiences in overcoming corruption and malpractice.

It is pertinent to mention here that the two-day South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Seminar aimed at creating a "SAARC Nations anti-corruption forum" also began in Islamabad. The delegates of India led by Shri Premanshu Biswas, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan arrived in Pakistan to participate in the SAARC seminar.

The President reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to economic and social uplift of the people of the South Asian region through cooperation and partnership. Mamnoon Hussain said corruption is an international problem and the world community should devise a comprehensive strategy against the menace to protect its valuable resources.

He said South Asia is a resource rich region but it is a matter of concern that resources in developing countries are being wasted due to rampant corruption. He said elimination of corruption is inevitable for poverty alleviation and welfare of the masses. The President highlighted that Pakistan is taking all possible measures to curb the menace of corruption in the country and the Government’s zero tolerance approach to corruption is producing positive results.

He emphasized the need for non-discriminatory action against corrupt elements and cautious use of powers during the anti-corruption campaign. He said innocent people should not be targeted or victimized in the name of eliminating corruption.