NAB highlights record recoveries, institutional reforms during NIPA delegation’s visit

Islamabad: A 17-member delegation of the 40th Senior Management Course at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Islamabad, visited the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Headquarters as part of its field research and professional development programme, gaining insights into the Bureau’s accountability framework, landmark recoveries and ongoing institutional reforms.

The delegation, representing diverse occupational groups, was led by Deputy Secretary (Training and Coordination) Shahana Batool. Chairman NAB Lt Gen (Retd) Nazir Ahmed and senior officers of the Bureau welcomed the participants.

During the visit, NAB Director General (Operations) Amjad Majeed Aulakh delivered a comprehensive briefing on the Bureau’s establishment, statutory mandate, operational framework and major achievements, highlighting its efforts to strengthen accountability, recover misappropriated public resources and provide financial relief to victims of corruption.

He informed the delegation that NAB had achieved recoveries worth Rs9.18 trillion during the third quarter of 2026, taking cumulative recoveries to Rs26.1 trillion from March 2023 to September 2026. He also highlighted the recovery of valuable state assets, including lands belonging to Pakistan Railways and provincial government departments.

The DG Operations further stated that NAB had disbursed Rs908.42 million to 4,280 affectees during the third quarter of 2026, reflecting the Bureau’s focus on securing relief for those affected by financial wrongdoing.

Highlighting the institution’s modernisation drive, Aulakh outlined key reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and accountability. These include a restructured complaint-processing system, the introduction of NAB EYE, an artificial intelligence-powered initiative designed to expedite investigative processes and minimise human error, and capacity-building initiatives through the Pakistan Anti-Corruption Academy (PACA).

Addressing the delegation, Chairman NAB Lt Gen (Retd) Nazir Ahmed emphasised that integrity, professionalism, transparency and accountability were fundamental to effective public administration. He urged the participating officers to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, exercise their authority responsibly and remain committed to public service as they prepare to assume key leadership and administrative positions.

The chairman underscored NAB’s institutional approach of targeting corrupt practices in public-sector projects rather than individuals, stressing the importance of safeguarding the dignity, privacy and human rights of individuals facing allegations.

He also highlighted the establishment of Accountability Facilitation Cells to enable civil servants to discharge their official responsibilities confidently and without undue fear, while maintaining adherence to the law and established accountability procedures.

Emphasising the importance of strong governance institutions, the chairman said public officials had a pivotal role in protecting the public interest, improving administrative efficiency and ensuring transparent and effective service delivery.

The visit provided the participants with an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into NAB’s operational mechanisms, accountability procedures, technological advancements and institutional reforms. The delegation also learned about the Bureau’s efforts to recover state assets and facilitate the return of funds to affectees.

At the conclusion of the visit, the participants expressed gratitude to the NAB chairman and the Bureau’s leadership for the informative interaction. They appreciated the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the institution’s mandate, performance and reform initiatives, describing the engagement as a valuable component of their professional learning and capacity-building programme.