Islamabad, 27-Jan-2026 (PPI): Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has announced financial recoveries totalling Rs. 11.3 trillion over the last three years, with a record Rs. 6.213 trillion secured in 2005 alone, the organisation’s chairman revealed during a high-level meeting with a delegation from Transparency International (TI) on Tuesday.
The discussion on matters of mutual interest, including transparency and good governance, took place at the NAB Headquarters. A four-member TI delegation, led by its Chair Mr. François Valérian, met with NAB Chairman Lt. Gen. (R) Nazir Ahmed. Senior officials from both organisations were present, including TI’s Justice (R) Zia Perwez and NAB’s Deputy Chairman Mr. Sohail Nasir.
Chairman Ahmed briefed the visiting officials on comprehensive structural reforms within the bureau, citing the integration of digital transformation, AI-assisted investigations, blockchain analysis, and advanced digital forensics as central to its recent performance.
He emphasised the need for coordinated international and domestic efforts to counter corruption, which he described as a challenge that transcends borders and undermines public trust and the rule of law.
The NAB chairman also pointed to a renewed focus on citizen services, highlighting the establishment of regional Facilitation Cells, Accountability and Business Facilitation Centres, and a Witness Protection and Support System. He noted that these initiatives led to significant relief for 115,587 individuals affected by fraudulent housing and investment schemes last year.
In a key financial reform, the bureau has opened profit-bearing accounts to hold recovered funds, a measure intended to preserve their time value and maximise the benefit for claimants upon disbursement.
While acknowledging international metrics like the Corruption Perceptions Index, Lt. Gen. (R) Ahmed stated that NAB’s primary focus remains on results-based frameworks measuring tangible outcomes, such as asset recovery and successful prosecutions. He proposed that the bureau and Transparency International could jointly share authenticated data to develop more accurate, evidence-based assessments.
Mr. Valérian appreciated NAB’s reform agenda and its adherence to international anti-corruption commitments. He expressed confidence that continued engagement between the two organisations would further open avenues for promoting integrity in Pakistan.
The meeting concluded with an agreement from both parties to enhance mutual cooperation through capacity-building initiatives and constructive collaboration aimed at fostering a culture of integrity.