By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif reiterated his government’s commitment to tackling financial corruption while firmly rejecting the use of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for political purposes.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, he praised the agency’s recent efforts and acknowledged the NAB chairman and staff for their successful operations against financial malfeasance.
Shahbaz Sharif emphasized that the NAB operates with full institutional independence and that the government would not interfere in its work. “Pakistan will continue to take organized steps to eliminate financial corruption,” he said, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
The PM also framed the fight against corruption as a long-term investment in the country’s youth, describing them as “a valuable asset and the guarantee of a peaceful, prosperous, and developed future.” He underscored that a corruption-free society is crucial not only for economic growth but also for public trust and national cohesion.
The Prime Minister stressed that his administration remains committed to ensuring financial, administrative, and institutional transparency across government projects, a move he argued was essential to create a level playing field and foster public confidence in state institutions.
Analysts noted that Shahbaz Sharif’s remarks came amid heightened public scrutiny of accountability agencies, and the emphasis on protecting NAB from political misuse was intended to reinforce the perception of impartiality while reassuring citizens that corruption would continue to be tackled decisively.
