Govt does not believe in using NAB for political vendetta: PM Shehbaz

Islamabad:(RadioPakistan) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that the government does not believe in using the National Accountability Bureau  for political victimization.

Addressing a ceremony on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day in Islamabad today,he said NAB enjoys complete institutional independence to carry out its work transparently. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continuing organized efforts to eliminate financial corruption.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that this year the day is being observed under the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.” He noted that the theme underscores the importance of involving Pakistan’s youth in this noble cause. He added that the country’s youth are the nation’s most valuable asset and the guarantee of a peaceful, prosperous, and developed future.

The Prime Minister further said that a corruption-free society is essential for national development, prosperity, economic strength, and public trust.

He stressed that ensuring financial, administrative, and institutional transparency in all government projects and initiatives remains one of the government’s top priorities.

The Prime Minister also commended NAB Chairman Lieutenant General Retired Nazir Ahmed and his entire team for their extraordinary efforts and successful actions in combating financial corruption. 

Speaking on the occasion, the NAB Chairman said the bureau secured extraordinary recoveries of assets worth over 5.1 trillion rupees this year. He added that since 2022, urgent reform measures have been introduced in NAB, leading to significant improvements in its performance.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, NAB officers who played a key role in the institution’s outstanding achievements were awarded honorary shields.

The Prime Minister also directed that high-performing NAB officers be rewarded with cash honoraria or granted the opportunity to perform Umrah.

During the ceremony, a representative of the UNODC read out a message from the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Dr. Felipe Paullier.