By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, questioned the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday over the accumulation of $40 billion in recovered assets, raising concerns about the agency’s past practices and transparency.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Sadiq asked NAB Chairman why such funds had only recently been consolidated and what measures the bureau had undertaken previously, signaling unease over the agency’s historical record.
Sadiq criticized NAB for what he described as a legacy of political targeting, noting that in earlier years, politicians, business figures, and salaried employees were often vulnerable to arbitrary action. He highlighted the practice of placing thousands of individuals on the Exit Control List (ECL) without clear cause, describing a climate in which even attending NAB functions could seem daunting.
“If any government official or businessperson faces blackmail, let us know in writing,” he said, drawing attention to past abuses that had eroded public trust in the institution. At the same time, Sadiq acknowledged efforts by the current NAB leadership to restore confidence. He praised the chairman for personally apologizing to those previously affected and for steps taken to reform internal processes, reinstate the reputations of officials, and rebuild trust within the business community.
The speaker concluded by expressing pride in NAB’s recent recoveries, emphasizing that the $40 billion in recovered assets would contribute to the national treasury and provide tangible benefits to the country. Observers noted that Sadiq’s remarks reflected a careful balancing of criticism and recognition, underscoring the ongoing challenge of ensuring accountability while maintaining public confidence in one of Pakistan’s most powerful anti-corruption agencies.
