Speakers at a recent Hamdard Shura forum emphasized the importance of establishing a transparent, impartial, and justice-based accountability system in Pakistan. Highlighting self-accountability as a foundational Islamic principle, they called upon the government to redesign the national systems of accountability and judiciary in accordance with the teachings of the Quran, Sunnah, and the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) conduct. They stressed that accountability should not merely serve as a slogan, but rather evolve into a reality reflected in institutional policies and practices.
Addressing the gathering titled “The Need for Accountability,” Professor Dr. Riaz Ahmed, President of Anjuman Faiz-ul-Islam and Speaker of Hamdard Shura, remarked that Islam strongly advocates accountability and reform. He explained that true progress, prosperity, and national dignity are achievable only through genuine self-evaluation and corrective actions at all levels of society. According to Dr. Ahmed, the ultimate objective of accountability isn’t restricted solely to revealing corrupt individuals, but rather extends to ensure optimal and responsible utilization of public resources, motivating state institutions to perform their duties honestly and diligently.
Ms. Sadia Rashid, National President of Hamdard Shura, underscored the necessity of establishing an accountability framework that operates independently from political influence and bias. She emphasized that for Pakistan to achieve genuine accountability, awareness among citizens regarding their fundamental rights and responsibilities is essential. Ms. Rashid argued that accountability must expand beyond institutional boundaries, involving every citizen actively, helping eliminate corruption, injustice, and nepotism from society. Furthermore, Ms. Rashid stressed that true accountability occurs when every individual, regardless of their social or political background, is treated equally under the law.
The speakers collectively highlighted that accountability institutions must be strong, autonomous, and completely free from political interference. Impartial and transparent operations by these institutions are essential for ensuring fairness and justice in society. Ensuring an honest, unbiased, and transparent accountability process, they contended, will enable Pakistan to foster effective governance, significantly improve public trust, and pave the way toward greater national progress.
Other prominent intellectuals and speakers, including Hakeem Bashir Bhervi, Dr. Farhat Abbas, Dr. Afzal Babar, Naeem Akram Qureshi, Islamuddin Qureshi, Professor Zahid Ali Qureshi, Dr. Mehmood-ur-Rehman, Salma Qasir, Tanveer Nusrat, and observer Raja Abdul Qayyum, echoed these sentiments. They unanimously agreed upon making the accountability process neutral, equitable, and strongly committed to fairness, encouraging a broader cultural shift towards transparency and justice in Pakistan.
