By Eman Alam
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday praised the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for its “extraordinary efforts and remarkable achievements” in combating financial corruption across the country.
Addressing the ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House in connection with International Anti-Corruption Day as chief guest, the prime minister paid tribute to NAB Chairman Lt Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed and the Bureau’s entire team for their effective actions against financial crimes. He stressed that NAB enjoys full institutional independence to carry out its mandate transparently, adding that the federal government “does not believe in political victimization through NAB.”
The prime minister said Pakistan marks International Anti-Corruption Day this year with renewed resolve to intensify its fight against financial corruption. The 2025 theme “United with Youth Against Corruption: Building an Honest and Dignified Future” highlights the crucial role of Pakistan’s youth in shaping a transparent and prosperous society.
“Our youth are our most valuable asset and the guarantee of a peaceful, prosperous and developed future,” he noted, emphasizing that only corruption-free societies can ensure economic stability, public trust and sustainable national development.
PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that ensuring financial, administrative and institutional transparency across all government projects remains a top priority for the federal government. He said International Anti-Corruption Day provides an opportunity for nations to renew their commitment to discouraging the harmful effects of corruption and building corruption-free societies.
Highlighting the government’s ongoing actions, the prime minister said NAB and other relevant institutions are working diligently to ensure accountability at every level. He commended NAB’s operations, noting that swift redressal for citizens affected by organized financial crimes has further strengthened public confidence in the Bureau.
NAB Chairman Lt Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed also addressed the ceremony, briefing the prime minister and participants on the Bureau’s performance in recent years, particularly in 2025. He revealed that through enhanced cooperation with state institutions, NAB achieved “extraordinary recoveries amounting to over Rs 5.1 trillion in 2025.” He added that urgent reforms undertaken since 2022 have brought significant improvements to NAB’s overall effectiveness.
The chairman said the hosting of the International Anti-Corruption Day ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House reflects the government’s strong commitment to transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of honorary shields to NAB officers for their outstanding performance. The PM further directed that high-performing NAB officials be granted three honoraria or the opportunity to perform Umrah as a reward.
A representative of UNODC also read out a message from UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier.
The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, senior NAB officials, the DG FIA, heads of national law enforcement agencies, government officers and other distinguished participants.
