QUETTA: The Anti-Corruption Establishment Balochistan (ACEB) and the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) jointly organized a Dialogue on the Role of Youth in Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Balochistan. This event was part of a comprehensive institutional capacity-building initiative launched to support the ACEB. This project is funded by U.S. Embassy’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and is being implemented by the Accountability Lab.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Khalid Ahmed Gola, Deputy Director of ACEB, briefed students on the role and structure of ACEB and emphasized the need to educate the youth about their role in improving governance and accountability in the province. He also briefed the students about the available complaint mechanisms, including the automated complaint management system and WhatsApp numbers for reporting cases of corruption and maladministration by government officials or departments.
Addressing the current economic and governance challenges, Mr. Nisar Ahmed, Regional Director of NUML Quetta, stressed the urgency of raising awareness among the general public regarding the impact of corruption and the available mechanisms for improved transparency and accountability. He also emphasized the importance of educating the public about reporting corruption, maladministration, and the misuse of authority to support the anti-corruption department’s efforts to prevent corruption and enhance public service delivery in the province.
Asif Farooqui, Deputy Director Programs of Accountability, highlighted the pivotal role of civil society in enhancing governance, advocating for change, and promoting transparency in communities. He further added that civil society plays an important role in community engagement and inclusive policymaking. However, there is a need to create space for their active participation, which has been restricted due to the complex regulatory frameworks and security situation in Balochistan.
Ms. Sadaf Ajmal, a renowned advocate for women’s and children’s rights, commended the Anti-Corruption Establishment Balochistan (ACEB) for engaging with academic institutions and youth. She further emphasized that “as we strive for greater accountability and transparency in our government institutions, we must recognize the transformative power of diversity and inclusion. By promoting the meaningful inclusion of women and persons with disabilities at all levels of governance, we will not only bring their experiences into more inclusive and citizen-centric policymaking but also pave the way for a more equitable and just society.”
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