"Corruption blooming in Pak due to lack of good governance": Gilani

Islamabad, Nov 16 (ANI): Corruption has been flourishing in Pakistan due to the lack of 'good governance', Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has acknowledged.

Addressing the plenary session of the Pakistan Development Forum (PDF), Gilani said that the country was introducing reforms in various sectors, and steps were being taken for good governance under which the government would disband 10 ministries soon, The News reported.

"Unfortunately Pakistan like many other developing countries lacks good governance and due to which corruption is blooming, the present government has introduced reform programmes in the institutions so that the process of development can be taken further in a very clear way," he said, appreciating the efforts of Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh for successfully taking the financial reforms forward.

Gilani said that his government was willing to take unpopular decisions to meet the long-term challenges of flood reconstruction, institutional and structural reforms for a glorious tomorrow.

"We are prepared to take political risks for providing the necessary leadership to our people. We have demonstrated our will to take unpopular decisions," he said.

The premier said that while Pakistan had been able to meet the immediate challenges posed by floods and by terrorism, "yet there are long term challenges that are daunting. Reconstruction and rehabilitation will require billions in investment, while the country's institutions also need to be reformed... We need your long term, consistent support in helping us support our institutions, our systems, so together we can continue on a journey which would make Pakistan, and its people, realise their full potential."

He also said that a reform programme was being pursued to achieve a better level of governance.

"Please consider this as work in progress. Kindly be patient with Pakistan. We are a plural society trying to come to grips with our economic and social ethos. We look towards you for understanding and support," he added. (ANI)