HRCP concerned over governance issues, exit of honest officers in Pakistan

By Editorial Staff
Friday, June 11,2010

(LEFT TO RIGHT: Sigourney Weaver, Elisa Massimino, Asma Jahangir, Oleg Kozlovsky, Nora Younis, and Saad Eddin Ibrahim pose for a group photo)

Lahore : The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed alarm at the deteriorating level of governance in the country and has called the departure of the State Bank of Pakistan governor another example of officials, who are unwilling to bow to pressure, being shown the door.

A statement issued by the Commission of Friday said: “The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has watched with concern the deteriorating level of governance in the country. It is true that the federal and provincial governments are facing numerous challenges because of the spread of militancy and the utter chaos they inherited from the previous regime.

At the same time, it is regrettable that nepotism, corruption and self-interest continue to be a priority of the government. It is evident that such malpractices take a heavy toll on people’s right to transparent and efficient governance that alone can bring prosperity and security. The recent departure of the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan on the eve of presentation of the annual budget is another example of easing out honest and upright officials who are unwilling to bow to unreasonable pressures. HRCP believes that the public and the press must continue to hold the government accountable for its decisions of appointments to key institutions. The appointment of the new governor of the State Bank of Pakistan should be watched closely and HRCP urges the government to respect merit rather than personal loyalties while making such crucial decisions. It encourages upright officials to put the interest of the people as a priority and resist pressures that may induce them to ignore malpractices.”

Asma Jahangir,
Chairperson,HRCP