The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has recovered a total of Rs 840 billion over the past two years and seven months, marking a major milestone in the bureau’s anti-corruption efforts, NAB Chairman Lieutenant General (Retd) Nazir Ahmed revealed during a meeting with editors and bureau chiefs on Tuesday.
According to Gen Nazir, NAB received a budget of Rs 15.33 billion during the same period, achieving an impressive return of Rs 548 recovered for every rupee spent. “In the last 23 years, NAB had recovered Rs 883 billion, but in the past two and a half years alone, our recoveries have reached Rs 840 billion — a record achievement,” he said.
Major Reforms and Modernization in NAB
The NAB chief highlighted extensive institutional reforms following amendments to the National Accountability Act, saying the bureau had “corrected past mistakes” and adopted a new, transparent system of accountability.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been developed to curb false and blackmailing complaints, and a mechanism has been introduced to take action against individuals filing bogus allegations. An Internal Accountability Cell has also been established to ensure transparency within the institution.
“All regional bureaus now hold open courts once a month to hear public complaints,” the NAB chairman said, adding that a feedback system and a digital performa have been created for complainants. NAB has also transitioned toward digitalization, with the adoption of modern AI tools for investigation.
Transparency, Fairness, and Public Trust
The NAB chief emphasized that the organization is working to eliminate the fear of NAB that existed in the past. “We no longer issue direct notices to government officers, parliamentarians, or public representatives. Complaints are now routed through the concerned Chief Secretary or establishment division,” he clarified.
A high-level review committee has been established to ensure that accused individuals have the right to be heard at any stage, and complainants can now submit online statements for convenience.
“The environment of trust-building with the business community is improving,” the chairman said, noting that NAB has developed close links with chambers of commerce across the country to promote cooperation rather than confrontation.
Massive Recoveries and Land Reclamation
Highlighting NAB’s success in asset recovery, the chairman said the bureau has reclaimed over 4.5 million acres of government land, including 3.9 million acres of forest land, 1.3 million acres of mangrove land, 38,644 acres of revenue authority land, 1,228 acres of NHA land, and 58 acres in Islamabad worth Rs 29 billion.
In total, NAB has recovered Rs 853 billion through various efforts. Land recoveries include 1,033,830 acres in Balochistan, 34,942 acres in Sindh, 24,598 acres in Punjab, and 300 kanals of government land in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Additionally, NAB has transferred Rs 6.57 billion to federal and provincial governments as part of its recovery assistance programs.
Public Relief Through Housing Refunds
The chairman also announced that 121,635 victims of housing society scams have been refunded a total of Rs 124.86 billion. He clarified that NAB’s out-of-court settlements are made strictly in the public interest, rejecting allegations that such settlements constitute scams.
“If Corruption Ends, Pakistan Will Not Need Loans”
Concluding his remarks, the Chairman said that eliminating corruption would transform Pakistan’s economic landscape. “If corruption is eradicated from Pakistan, this country will not need any loans,” he stated.