NAB Chairman Demands More Powers for Accountability Process
Speaking before the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice, Lt Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed Butt said NAB needs stronger legal authority to investigate corruption, recover looted public funds, and ensure meaningful accountability.
ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Lt Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed Butt, has called for expanding the bureau’s legal powers, saying the country’s anti-corruption watchdog cannot deliver meaningful accountability without adequate authority to investigate corruption and recover looted public money.
Call for Legislative Reforms
Speaking during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice, the NAB chairman told lawmakers that the bureau’s current legal mandate is insufficient to effectively pursue corruption cases. He urged the committee to consider legislative reforms that would strengthen NAB’s investigative and prosecutorial powers.
Butt said the primary objective of the accountability process should be the recovery of public wealth allegedly lost through corruption rather than focusing solely on arrests. He stressed that strengthening NAB’s legal framework would enable the institution to take more effective action against financial crimes and improve the overall accountability system.
Remarks on Accountability Framework
Addressing criticism of the bureau’s performance, the NAB chairman said the institution is often expected to deliver results despite operating with limited legal powers. He maintained that empowering NAB would enhance its ability to investigate complex corruption cases and ensure accountability in accordance with the law.
Sharing his observations, Butt remarked that corruption is more widespread than many people realize. He further stated that individuals who raise their voices against corruption often face greater challenges and resistance, underscoring the need for stronger institutional support in the fight against corruption.
The discussion took place as the Senate Standing Committee reviewed matters related to accountability laws and institutional reforms. Any proposal to expand NAB’s powers would require approval by Parliament through amendments to the relevant legislation.
The meeting formed part of broader deliberations on improving Pakistan’s accountability framework and enhancing the effectiveness of institutions responsible for combating corruption.
