ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) received 19,816 complaints during October 2013 to September 2014, showing a reasonable increase as compared to same period last year when the department registered 10,414 complaints.
During the period, the Bureau under the leadership of its Chairman, Qamar Zaman Chaudhry also recovered Rs 4 billion, authorised 767 inquiries, 276 cases were converted into investigations and 152 references were filed in the Accountability Courts. The figures of complaints, inquiries and investigations are almost double as compared to same period of October 2012 to September 2013 with 10,414 complaints, 276 inquiries, 84 investigations and 138 references respectively.
Authorities at the NAB on Monday, said that the comparative figures for the latest two years are indicative of hard work being put in by all ranks of the NAB staff in an atmosphere of renewed energy and dynamism, where fight against corruption is being taken as a national duty. They said that increase in number of complaints also reflects enhanced public trusted in the NAB.
The authorities said that the NAB has been rejuvenated during past year and steps are being taken to make it a more credible and efficient anti-corruption organisation. The concept of Combined Investigation Teams (CITs), comprising at least two investigation officers, a legal consultant and a Case Officer (Additional Director) along-with other experts from the relevant required field, has been strengthened. This helps in a team work concept and leaves no room for discretion.
The HQs Operations Division analysis monitors the Regional CIT reports before presenting the same to the Executive Board Meeting (EBM). The Prosecution Division has been allocated additional manpower in shape of hiring competent law officers, based on market salaries and a fair and transparent hiring process. The conviction rate target has been increased from 65 per cent to 75 per cent Regional DGs and Deputy Prosecutor Generals Accountability (DPGAs) have been given clear directions in the matter.
During the year, the NAB also filed corruption references against many influential and political figures. In addition, the sources said that the NAB and HEC are ensuring collaborated efforts to root out corruption by utilising the youth. They said the department is also planning to hold various awareness activities such as seminar, painting competition, declamation contest etc in connection with World Anti-Corruption Day” on December 9. Moreover, recent Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Transparency International Pakistan has been placed from 138 to 126 which is a record in 20 years.
