ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal Thursday said that corruption could not be eliminated until NAB’s officials adopted a zero-tolerance policy and adhered to transparency, merit and honesty. He was addressing NAB officers at NAB Headquarters Rawalpindi, after taking charge as NAB Chairman. The chairman said, “In a bid to restore bureau’s prestige, the principle of ‘accountability for all’ would be strictly implemented and all inquiries/investigations would be conducted within given time, instead of lingering on for years.” “All cases filed by NAB to Accountability Courts, High Courts and Supreme Court of Pakistan would be followed effectively and bureau’s stance would be presented before them as per law”, he said. The chairman said he did not take dictations from anyone in the past and won’t do in the future. Justice Javed Iqbal directed the NAB officers to work with due diligence without being influenced, saying “You belong to an institution which is mandated to curb menace of corruption from the country. People are having high hopes from this institution.” “You are aware of the fact that corruption is root cause of all evils and if you receive any application against any department/individual, you must look into the matter according to law of the land”, he further directed the officers. The NAB chairman said the officers should not act against any innocent person and hurt their integrity; however, the corrupt must be dealt with an iron fist and references filed to Accountability Courts. Justice Javed Iqbal warned that all those officials who mishandled their powers would have no place in NAB. “I will personally monitor performance of all officers and a visible difference will be seen in the bureau’s performance in coming months”, he added. Published in Daily Times, October 13th 2017.