A four members delegation of Transparency International (TI), led by its Chair Mr. François Valérian, met Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lt. Gen. (R) Nazir Ahmed at NAB Headquarters on January 27, 2006. The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, including transparency, accountability, and prospects for enhanced cooperation.
The TI delegation included Justice (R) Zia Perwez, Advocate Daniyal Muzaffar and Mr. Kashif Ali. Deputy Chairman NAB Mr. Sohail Nasir and senior NAB officers were also present.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on key anti-corruption initiatives, institutional reforms, and the importance of collaboration between national anti-graft institutions and international civil society organizations to promote accountability and good governance. Chairman NAB emphasized the need for coordinated national and international efforts to counter corruption, noting that the challenge transcends borders and undermines the rule of law and public trust.
The Chairman briefed the delegation on comprehensive structural reforms undertaken by NAB, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, AI-assisted investigations, blockchain analysis, and digital forensics. He noted that these reforms resulted in record recoveries amounting to Rs. 6.213 trillion in 2005, raising total recoveries over the last three years to Rs. 11.3 trillion.
He further highlighted NAB’s renewed citizen-centric approach, including the establishment of Facilitation Cells at regional offices, Accountability and Business Facilitation Centres, Witness Protection and Support System, and the holding of Khuli Katcheries. During the year, NAB provided significant relief to 115,587 affectees of fraudulent housing and investment schemes. A major milestone was also achieved through the opening of profit-bearing accounts to preserve the time value of recovered funds, ensuring maximum financial benefit to claimants at the time of disbursement.
While acknowledging international indices such as the Corruption Perceptions Index, the Chairman stated that NAB’s primary focus remains on results-based frameworks that measure tangible outcomes, including asset recovery and successful prosecution of high-profile cases. He suggested that NAB and Transparency International could work jointly to share authentic data and arrive at more accurate and evidence-based assessments.
Mr. François Valérian appreciated NAB’s reform agenda and its strong adherence to anti-corruption commitments under international frameworks. He expressed confidence that continued engagement between NAB and Transparency International would further open avenues for promoting integrity and good governance in Pakistan.
Both sides agreed to enhance mutual engagement and cooperation, including capacity-building initiatives and constructive collaboration, to help foster a culture of integrity in line with the vision of the international anti-corruption regime.
