ISLAMABAD: In a bold defence of the country’s anti-graft machinery, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asserted that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) operates with complete autonomy, free from any political strings.
The prime minister’s comments come amidst mounting scepticism over the top anti-graft body’s impartiality, with critics accusing it of being a political tool rather than an independent watchdog.
Speaking at a ceremony marking International Anti-Corruption Day, the Prime Minister stressed that the federal government is committed to ensuring NAB is not used as a political tool, but rather as a robust institution dedicated to tackling corruption head-on.
“NAB’s efforts to combat corruption have been exemplary, and under the leadership of its chairman, Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed Butt (retd), the bureau’s work deserves recognition,” the Prime Minister said, addressing a gathering of senior government officials and law enforcement officers.
He underscored the country’s ongoing commitment to a more structured and systematic approach to anti-corruption, with particular emphasis on involving the youth in this mission.
He also stressed the importance of involving the youth in these efforts, noting that this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day theme, “Fighting Corruption with Youth: Foundation for an Honest and Dignified Future,” reflects the government’s long-term vision. “We see our youth as the country’s greatest asset,” Sharif added. “A corruption-free society is fundamental to our nation’s economic growth, development, and public trust.”
While continuing to champion transparency, he reiterated that the fight against corruption remains a top priority for his administration. He praised NAB for its successes, particularly its role in recovering funds for citizens impacted by financial crimes.
PM Sharif’s remarks came as he also celebrated the bureau’s impressive strides in recent years, especially following reforms introduced in the aftermath of 2022.
NAB Chairman Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed Butt (retd) provided an update on the bureau’s achievements, saying that over Rs5.1 trillion in assets had been recovered in 2025 alone, thanks to collaborative efforts with other state agencies.
To acknowledge NAB’s hard work, PM Sharif awarded honorary shields and additional rewards, including opportunities to perform Umrah, to officers who played pivotal roles in these successes.
The ceremony also included a message from Philippe Pollet, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, delivered by a representative from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, and others attended the function.
Concluding the event, PM Sharif reaffirmed that the federal government’s dedication to transparency and anti-corruption initiatives would remain a cornerstone of its policy agenda moving forward.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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