22.9.11

Somewhere in Ralegan Sidhi....



Anna Hazare could well take his battle against corruption across the border. On Wednesday, a two-member delegation from Pakistan called on the Gandhian crusader at Ralegan Siddhi with a request that he travel to their country to guide them on fighting corruption. Hazare agreed to go to Pakistan when he was “fit to travel”. The Pakistani delegation comprised retired Pakistan Supreme Court judge Nasir Aslam Zahid, who is a member of the India-Pakistan Judicial Committee on Prisoners’ Justice, and Karamat Ali, trade union leader and peace activist. They held discussions with Hazare on corruption and the measures to be adopted to tackle it. Hazare later said, “The delegation told me that their country is facing a problem similar to that in India. Neighbouring countries must join hands to fight corruption. In fact, measures are needed to reduce corruption across the world. The delegation has invited me to Pakistan. I will travel there when I am fit and get time from my schedule.” Ali said: “We compliment Hazare for the steps he initiated to restrict corrupt practices in India. Like India, we too are beset with corruption. Unlike India, however, we do not have an Anna Hazare. We want him to visit Pakistan, which will create pressure on our government. We want him to guide us in fighting corruption.” He added that inspired by Hazare, an Islamabad businessman is on a hunger fast against corruption from September 12. Zahid said, “Both India and Pakistan face similar problems like corruption and poverty. Hazare’s battle against corruption received great support from citizens because his aim is to make democracy meaningful. He can play a similar role during his visit to Pakistan.”

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