NAB will not allow any corruption in CPEC by Pakistani officers, workers: Chairman

ISLAMABAD, May 17: Pakistani National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Justice Javed Iqbal (retd) said on Monday afternoon that NAB will not allow any corruption by the Pakistani officers and workers involved in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Presiding over a meeting to review NAB's four years overall performance, NAB Chairman said NAB has signed a memorandum of understanding with China to monitor ongoing projects in Pakistan under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Iqbal stressed that corruption-free work on CPEC would put Pakistan on the road to prosperity. He maintained that optimum resources were being utilized to eradicate the menace of corruption from the country.

It was informed during the meeting that from October 2017 to December 2021, NAB has recovered a total of Pakistani Rs 584 billion directly and indirectly from corrupt elements.

In addition to awareness, prevention and enforcement, NAB has taken several steps in addition to formulating an effective and comprehensive anti-corruption strategy based on the slogan of Faith of NAB Corruption Free Pakistan and commitment to "Accountability for All".

It was further informed at the meeting that NAB has set up a combined investigation team system to further improve the quality of inquiry and investigation based on solid evidence, documentary evidence and witnesses and to benefit from the collective wisdom of senior NAB supervisory officers.

NAB has fixed 10 months for expeditious disposal of corruption cases, two months for complaint investigation, 4 months for inquiry and 4 months for investigation.

NAB has also set up a state-of-the-art forensic science laboratory to facilitate investigations and prosecution.

NAB has set up Pakistan Anti-Corruption academy at NAB headquarters to provide training to investigative officers and prosecutors on modern basis for effective follow up of NAB cases in accountability courts and investigation of white collar crimes.

NAB, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), has set up a cell to combat money laundering and terror financing.