Islamabad: Civil society organizations, legal experts, and concerned citizens have called for immediate and robust legislation to protect whistleblowers in Pakistan, urging the government to enact a comprehensive Whistleblower Protection Act. This act is crucial for safeguarding individuals who expose corruption, fraud, and misconduct in both public and private sectors, and to foster a culture of accountability and transparency.

The demand for a Whistleblower Protection Act has been demanded to protect the whistle blowers in response to the cases related to corruption. The absence of legal protection has discouraged individuals from reporting irregularities, thereby allowing corrupt practices to flourish unchecked.

Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), stated, “Whistleblowers are essential to holding institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. The lack of protection for these courageous individuals is a significant barrier to rooting out corruption and malpractice in Pakistan. We strongly urge the government to introduce and enact legislation that will ensure the safety and security of whistleblowers.”

The proposed Whistleblower Protection Act would provide:

• Legal protection from retaliation for individuals who expose illegal or unethical activities.
• A formal mechanism for whistleblowers to report concerns anonymously and securely.
• Financial rewards and compensation for whistleblowers whose disclosures lead to successful prosecution of corruption or fraud cases.
• A clear framework for investigating whistleblower reports to ensure timely and transparent action.

The enactment of such a law is not only a step toward fulfilling Pakistan’s international commitments under the United Nations Convention against Corruption but also a critical move towards restoring public trust in government institutions.

The call for this legislation comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with rising concerns over corruption, transparency, and governance. A whistleblower protection law would significantly enhance accountability in sectors ranging from public service to private industries and ensure that individuals who report malpractices are not penalized but rather supported in their efforts to uphold justice.

SSDO in collaboration with the Civil society organizations have planned a series of advocacy efforts, including consultations with parliamentarians, legal experts, and human rights activists, to build support for the proposed legislation. These efforts aim to ensure that the law is comprehensive, effective, and in line with international best practices.

The Government of Pakistan is urged to take immediate action by drafting and passing the Whistleblower Protection Act to safeguard the rights of those who expose wrongdoings and to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.

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