NAB Chairman Justice Javed Iqbal on Sunday said that the bureau was committed to rooting out corruption in all its forms and manifestations with iron hands, and logical conclusion of mega corruption white collar cases was the top most priority of the NAB.
“The NAB is absolutely determined to nab corrupt elements by adopting ‘Accountability for All’ policy.” He said that NAB has devised its three-pronged anti-corruption strategy of awareness, prevention and enforcement, which was yielding excellent dividends.
He said that NAB’s prime focus is on cases of cheating public at large by fraudulent financial companies, money laundering, bank frauds, misuse of authority and embezzlement of state funds by Government servants etc. NAB under the dynamic leadership of Honorable Justice Mr. Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB in 26 months has recovered Rs. 153 billion which is a record achievement. NAB has perfected its procedures and has reinvigorated with new zeal and effort after through detailed introspection and analysis of organizational weaknesses, overhaul of procedures and all pillars of the organization i.e. Operations, Prosecution, Human Resource Development and Awareness and Prevention have been reactivated.
He said NAB since its inception had filed 1261 corruption references in respective accountability courts which are under trial in 25 respected Accountability Courts of the Country and whose approximately worth is of Rs. 943 billion. The figures of complaints, inquiries and investigations are almost double as compared to the same period of 2018 to 2019. The comparative figures for the latest 26 months are indicative of the hard work being put in by all ranks of NAB in an atmosphere of renewed energy and dynamism, where fight against corruption is being considered as a national duty. Increase in the number of complaints also reflects enhanced 59 percent public trusted upon NAB as per Gillani and Gallop survey.
He said that NAB has established Forensic Science Lab which has facilities of Digital Forensics, Questioned Documents and Fingerprint Analysis. He said that reputed national and international organizations like PILDAT, Mishal Pakistan, Transparency International and World Economic Forum have indicated Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate corruption. Similarly, Gilani and Gallop survey has indicated that 59 percent people of Pakistan have shown confidence upon NAB.
Honorable Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal Chairman NAB has said that NAB has prescribed 10 months timeframe The Chairman NAB directed all DGs to conduct all complaint verifications, inquiries and investigations within the stipulated timeframe. He directed all officers of NAB to work fearlessly without taking any pressure as per law. He also reiterated that all cases should be conducted on merit on the basis of solid evidence. He said that NAB officers are dealing with high profile white collar cases and each accused should be dealt with self respect and should be given full opportunity of hearing regarding allegations leveled against him/her. The Chairman said that officers shall display highest level of integrity and commitment with regards to their cases and should ensure timely completion of cases so in order to bring them to justice as per law.