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Lahore: The Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Lt. General (R) Nazir Ahmed Butt, inaugurated a new NAB Facilitation Desk at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), pledging support for the business community and highlighting recent reforms.
The event, hosted by the LCCI, was attended by President Mian Abuzar Shad, senior officials, and representatives from various chambers in Punjab. Chairman Butt emphasized NAB’s commitment to cooperating with the business sector to remove obstacles hindering economic progress.
Discussing the challenges faced upon assuming office two years ago, Chairman Butt noted significant reforms that have improved NAB’s operations. He mentioned that last year, 18,000 complaints were received, with 86% being anonymous or unverifiable. To address this, new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been implemented, requiring complainants to submit an affidavit. This measure aims to deter false complaints by imposing penalties.
The Chairman also highlighted the success of NAB’s operations, citing the resolution of 13 out of 15 major cases in Karachi within two months. Special facilitation desks have been established for the general public and overseas Pakistanis. He urged the LCCI to appoint sector-specific focal persons and suggested bi-monthly meetings for better coordination.
Mian Abuzar Shad, LCCI President, praised NAB’s role as a national reform force and called for continued efforts to combat corruption. He expressed concern over capital flight, noting that significant sums were being transferred to Dubai. Shad proposed stricter penalties for bounced cheques to protect business interests.
Former LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian commended Chairman Butt for making NAB business-friendly and strengthening trust with the private sector. He affirmed the business community’s support for the Pakistan Army and stressed the importance of protecting complainant identities.
Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman and Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry highlighted the potential to control corruption with minimal effort and urged patience for institutional reforms.
The inauguration marks a significant step towards fostering a supportive environment for business growth and accountability in Pakistan.