SWAT/LOWER DIR: The Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) Swat organised an awareness walk here on Friday to emphasise the importance of combating corruption. The event was part of the provincial government’s anti-corruption week during which seminars and awareness walks are being held across the province. WSSC staff participated in the walk, raising slogans advocating the eradication of corruption and bribery. Addressing the gathering, social mobiliser Haider Ali Khan called corruption a societal scourge that undermines merit and justice while depriving citizens of their rights. He urged the participants to remain steadfast in rejecting corruption in all forms and to uphold the principles of integrity and fairness in life. WSSC deputy manager solid waste Tahir Khan stressed that individuals engaged in corruption and unethical practices inevitably face disgrace in society. He encouraged everyone to take a proactive role in countering corruption and to avoid activities that harm the economy and the nation’s welfare. The participants said the event was a testament to WSSC Swat’s commitment to fostering transparency and integrity within the community, aligning with the provincial government’s broader anti-corruption initiatives. In Lower Dir, a two-day event concluded on Friday as part of the anti-corruption week at Government Girls Degree College, Timergara. The district youth affairs department in collaboration with the district administration organised the event aimed to raise awareness about the effects of corruption on society and individuals. Competitions like essay writing, poster painting and declamation contests in Urdu and English among students were organised to create critical thinking regarding anti-corruption measures. College principal Kalsoom Javed and others spoke on the occasion. A panel of judges evaluated the participants’ performances in different competitions. Ms Javid presented certificates and shields to the winners of various competitions, acknowledging their hard work and creativity. Shields were also presented to the judges and guests in recognition of their contributions to the event. Ms Javed emphasised the critical role of youth in the fight against corruption. Meanwhile, speakers at different events urged citizens to help the government eradicate the menace of corruption. They were of the view that elimination of corruption from society needed collective efforts. A function was arranged at Government College of Commerce and Management Sciences, Timergara. Students, religious scholar Prof Inayatullah Islahi and college principal Prof Bakht Munir spoke on the occasion, emphasising that corruption was forbidden in Islam. They said people should unite against the menace.