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An eye on NAB performance since its inception

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DNA

ISLAMABAD – Corruption is the mother of all evils. Today, eradication of corruption has become the voice of the whole nation right now as it not only halt progress of the country but also usurp the rights of the deserving people. Pakistan is facing the challenge of corruption which is the root cause of all problems being endured by the country.


Corruption is harming the country like termite.The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was established in 1999 to cope with the menace of corruption. It was tasked to recover the looted amount, return to effectees or deposit in the national exchequer and corrupt elements could be brought to justice.

NAB since its inception received 457,668 complaints. Of which 405,212 complaints were taken care of. While the scrutiny of 556 complaints was continuing right now. NAB has so far approved 100,644 complaint verifications.Of which 100,865 complaint verifications completed. Right now 779 complaint verifications are being scrutinised. Some 8,953 inquiries are completed from out of  9,883 inquiries approved so far. Working on some 930 inquiries is still continuing nowadays. Some 4,201 investigations have so far been completed from out of 4,547 investigations approved. Working on 436 inquiries is still continuing. NAB has filed 3,645 corruption references since inception.

Of which 2,398 references have been decided by relevant accountability courts. Right now 1,247 references are under trial in different accountability courts.NAB Chairman Justice Javed Iqbal immediately after coveted responsibility devised an anti corruption strategy. With headquarters in Islamabad, NAB has its regional offices in Rawalpindi, Multan, Quetta, Peshawar, Karachi, Sukkur and Gilgit-Baltistan. Chairman introduced new reforms in the bureau after assuming responsibilities. Chairman prioritised corruption eradication. NAB during 2019, received a total of 53,643 complaints during 2019. Of which 42,760 were taken to logical conclusions. 

Similarly 2,166 complaint verifications during the last year.Out of which 1,306 were concluded.Some 1,686 inquiries were approved out of which 747 inquiries were concluded. As many 609 investigations were approved and  269 were concluded. A total of 363 corruption
references were filed in different accountability courts.Where as overall conviction ratio remained 68.8 percent during 2019.


Under the leadership of Justice Javed Iqbal, the bureau has so far recovered Rs 363 billion directly or indirectly. The recovered record amount has been deposited in national exchequer.

A total of 97 mega corruption references were undertrial from out of 179 mega corruption references filed in different accountability courts. Some 57 such references have been concluded as per law. A total of 10 inquiries, 15 investigations are under trial from out of a total of 179 mega corruption references filed by the anti graft watchdog.

Justice Javed Iqbal after reevaluating the workings of investigation officers, had established a CIT system for improving their workings and benefiting the experience of senior supervisory officers. CIT comprise
director, additional director, investigation officers and senior legal officers has started producing encouraging results.
NAB has improved its workings and set a time frame of 10 months for concluding  cases right from complaints registration to filing reference. This proves NAB’s sincereness for concluding white collar mega corruption cases. On the directives of Justice Javed, the regional offices have set up complaint cells.


The Business community plays an important role in the progress and prosperity of any country. Special complaint cells have been established at NAB offices for resolving complaints of the business community. A special complaint cell had also been set up at NAB headquarters.

A consultative committee has also been established for resolving business community issues. The meeting of the committee is being summoned this month.Business community has already thanked the chairman for taking vital measures to resolve their problems. Chairman has already directed NAB officers to deal visiting businessmen,politicians and others with respect and dignity ss NAB is people friendly organisation and it does not believe in hurting anybody’s feelings.Justice Javed directed the concerned to start grading system in NAB for further improving the annual performance of its regional offices.


Further, NAB has started an effective monitoring and evaluation cell for evaluating standards and analysing performsnce.It helps evaluate bureau’s performance.
NAB has received hundreds of applications against Mudarba and Musharka scams. A total of 28 references have been filed in different accountability courts. Out of which some references have been disposed of in favour of NAB. The bureau is striving hard to recover the looted amount from the culprits.
The bureau had already recovered the billions of rupees looted by fake housing societies. The effectees thanked the chairman for honourable return of their looted money.


NAB has established a forensic lab at Islamabad in Islamabad which has the facilities of analysing digital forensic, documents and finger prints.The main aim behind establishing a forensic lab is to provide latest facilities to investigators. Lab helps saving time besides ensuring accuracy. NAB is the sitting chairman of SAARC anti corruption forum. It is a significant achievement of the country. NAB is also a focal anti corruption institute according to the UN anti corruption convention, which is honour for Pakistan. The bureau has also signed MoU with China in connection with anti corruption. This is aimed at cooperating and benefiting each other’s experiences for
eradication of corruption.
The incumbent chairman believes in teamwork. While officers consider corruption eradication as their national duty. NAB officers have no affiliation with any group, individual or party but only with state of Pakistan.The performance of


NAB under the leadership of Javed Iqbal, has been lauded by reputed world Economic Forum, Pildat,
Transparency International,Mishaal Pakistan. According to Gallup survey 59 percent Pakistanis have expressed satisfaction over NAB performance.This has further strengthened its corruption elimination efforts. NAB under the leadership of Justice Javed considers corruption eradication its priority.In fact it is the responsibility of the entire nation so that the dream of corruption elimination could materialise.

Hafeez Shaikh, Sigve Brekke hold virtual meeting

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DNA

ISLAMABAD, DEC 18 – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Abdul Hafeez Shaikh held a virtual meeting with Mr. Sigve Brekke, Global President and CEO Telenor Group today.

In his virtual remarks, the CEO reiterated the Company’s support to Pakistan during these testing times as connectivity will be of great importance for the nation’s recovery efforts in the year ahead. As an enabler of economic activity, Telenor has an important role to play in reviving the country’s long-term growth trajectory, he added.

The CEO further stated that creating a predictable business environment with fair regulatory regimes for spectrum licensing and taxation remains key to improving the business climate and receiving future foreign investment in Pakistan.

The Finance Minister outlined that telecom is one of the fastest growing segments of the Pakistan’s economy and is a key driver for growth and employment generation in the country.

The Finance Minister appreciated the services provided by the telecom industry and assured all possible synergy in on-going projects in Pakistan, he concluded.

Hamza Ali Abbasi wants all zoos in Pakistan to be shut down

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From cancelling his Netflix subscription to condemning racist remarks made against minorities, Hamza Ali Abbasi has always been at the forefront of voicing his opinions and advocating for human rights—and animals are no different.

The Legend of Maula Jatt star recently took to social media to campaign against the derogatory treatment of animals located in the zoos in Pakistan.

“IHC rules that zoos are concentration camps for non-human living beings. It’s true. Caging animals for public entertainment is cruel and evil!” the Mann Mayal actor stated on social media.

“Pakistan has a chance to earn the respect of the world and make God happy by freeing all the animals in captivity,” he added, requesting the government to shut down all the zoos in the country.

Abbasi’s outrage came after the only zoo in Islamabad — which drew international condemnation for its treatment of lonely elephant Kaavan — closed on Wednesday after its final occupants were relocated abroad.

Encouraging others to partake in this social cause, the star looked up to his fans and followers for support.

“If you agree, please be the voice for those who can’t speak for themselves and make this hashtag trend for as long as we can, so maybe someone in the decision making arena may listen especially after IHC ruling. #CloseAllPakZoos.”

Earlier this week, the IHC observed that the “bears’ natural habitat was the high altitude plateau of Deosai National Park in the Himalayas”. “It was indeed inhumane to have deprived them of living in their natural habitat, merely for the entertainment of humans.”

Indian army targets UN officials at LoC

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While the vehicle was damaged, the two UNMOs luckily remained unharmed. They were safely rescued & evacuated by Pakistan Army to Rawalakot

Post Report/DNA

RAWALPINDI: On Friday the Indian Army resorted to unprovoked fire in Chirikot Sector of LOC. Indian troops deliberately targeted a United Nations vehicle  with 2 x Military Observers on board, enroute to interact with CFV victims in Polas Village in Chirikot Sector. It must be noted that The UN vehicles are clearly recognisable even from long distances due to their distinct make and type and clearly visible markings.

While the vehicle was damaged, the two UNMOs luckily remained unharmed. They were safely rescued & evacuated by Pakistan Army to Rawalakot. Such illegal and unlawful acts, against all established international norms, signify mal-intent of Indian Army to target not only innocent civilians residing along the Line of Control but UN Peace Keepers as well. This act only goes to show Indian Army’s complete disregard to principles enshrined in UN Charter. It is indeed a new low for Indian Army

Pakistan Army stands in solidarity with UNMOGIP officials and appreciates the selfless services rendered by all members of UNMOGIP in discharge of their UN mandated duties.

50 new NADRA Centres to be opened: Sheikh Rasheed

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (DNA): Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed on Friday said that 50 new National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) centres would be opened across the country particularly in far-flung areas to facilitate the people.

Talking to media persons at NADRA Headquarters here the minister said

that provision of various facilities to the common people was

government’s top priority adding that NADRA centres would be extended to

the far-flung areas of the country.

He said it was decided to issue ordinary computerized national identity

card (CNIC) to the poor people free of cost within 15 days. “NADRA will

issue the first CNIC free of cost within fifteen days, instead of forty

days,” he said.

The minister said passport and ID cards offices would be opened in all

the embassies of Pakistan under the supervision of NADRA and with the

support the Foreign Office. He said the number of NADRA mobile vans

would also be increased to 300 to facilitate the people residing in far

off areas of the country.

Sheikh Rasheed said the government was fully committed to resolving

problems being faced by the oversees Pakistanis. He assured that issues

of overseas Pakistani would be resolved on priority.

To a question, the minister said currently 16,000 employees including

3,000 on contract were working in NADRA. No contract employee would be

laid off, he said.

To a question, he said that there were around 700,000 registered Afghan

people in the country.

Regarding alliance of opposition parties Pakistan Democratic Movement

(PDM), the minister said that it seemed that PDM would take part in the

coming Senate elections. Senate elections could be held any time during

February 12 to March 12, he added.

Imran Khan, he said, was going nowhere and the government under his

leadership would complete its five-year constitutional tenure.

To a query, the minister said currently Pakistan has no agreement with

the United Kingdom for extradition of the criminals.

Earlier, the minister was briefed by Chairman NADRA Usman Mobeen about

the function of the organization. DNA

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India planning a surgical strike against Pakistan: Shah Mahmood Qureshi

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ISLAMABAD – “I have received news from our intelligence agencies that India is planning a surgical strike against Pakistan,” Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said.

In a press conference on Friday, he said that India is trying to begin a new wave of terrorism in the country. “Whatever it is planning, India should beware that Pakistan will give a befitting response.”

The minister said that reports by multiple information labs have revealed the conspiracies India is planning against the country. “Pakistan is a peace-loving country but it also knows how to respond to any kind of threats.”

All these tactics are being used to divert attention from the pressing issue at the moment: the deteriorating situation of the Indian-Administered Kashmir.

Qureshi said that any step the neighbouring country takes will not just affect Pakistan but the entire region, especially Afghanistan.

The prevailing farmers’ protests in India and the government’s treatment of its minorities are proof of the barbarian policies of the Modi government, he added.

The minister had flown to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a two-day visit recently. During the visit, he held discussions with the UAE leadership on all areas of mutual interest, including regional and global issues. He exchanged views on trade, investment and the welfare of the Pakistani diaspora.

Uzbekistan carries out fruitful work within the Commonwealth

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Commentary of first deputy director of the Institute for strategic and regional studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the chairmanship of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the CIS in 2020

TASHKENT: On December 18 this year, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan it was held the Summit of the Heads of the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The summit was the final event during the chairmanship of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the CIS in 2020. The event was attended by the heads of state of Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan.

Evaluating the results of our country’s chairmanship in the CIS, we can say with confidence that despite the difficult epidemiological situation that complicated the work of many regional and international organizations, Uzbekistan has carried out very fruitful and effective work within the framework of the Commonwealth.

In accordance with the Concept of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship in the CIS, meetings of the Council of Heads of Government, the Council of Foreign Ministers, the Economic Council of the CIS, about 60 meetings of sectoral cooperation bodies, including the Council for Cooperation in Healthcare, the Council for Humanitarian Cooperation, were held. More than a thousand issues were considered, over 70 important multilateral documents were adopted.

In 2020, Uzbekistan joined three CIS bodies: the Council for Youth Affairs, the Advisory Council for Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Population, the Advisory Council for the Protection of Consumer Rights, expanding in general the range of its interaction with the member states of the Commonwealth within the framework of 39 sectoral cooperation bodies.

However, clear evidence of the effectiveness of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship is the approval and adoption in the outgoing year a solid package of conceptual and strategic documents that form a basis for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation within the CIS in such priority areas as politics, economy, security, culture, tourism, adapted to new realities, sports, youth policy, innovative development.

In particular, strategies for the development of cooperation in tourism, physical culture and sports, youth policy, an agreement on interaction in the field of digital development of societyadopted for 2021-2030, as well as the concept of military cooperation until 2025, are of current importance for sustainable development in the CIS space and interregional and cross-border cooperation until 2030.

The CIS Economic Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 deserves special attention. It is aimed at consistently building up mutually beneficial cooperation between the CIS member states in more than 30 areas of economic interaction, increasing the competitiveness of national economies and the welfare of citizens of the Commonwealth countries, strengthening the positions of its member states in world economic relations.

A significant contribution to the practical implementation of this strategy was the approval by the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth in May this year of the Priority Areas of Cooperation of the CIS member states in the field of transport for the period up to 2030.

This program document, initiated by the President of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev, provides for a coordinated policy to form a common transport space and increase the competitiveness of transport corridors in the CIS countries, their integration into the European and Asian transport systems.

The most important achievement of the chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the CIS was the adoption of the Concept for the further development of the CIS.This document provides for the implementation of agreed measures to improve the organizational and legal mechanisms of cooperation in political, economic, humanitarian, cultural and other fields and the formation in the long term of an integrated economic and political association that ensures effective development each of its participants.

The value of the concept lies in the fact that it was developed based on the objective interests of the CIS member states in creating favorable conditions for the further development of national economies and ensuring security. It is also oriented to strengthening the well-being of citizens, involvement in world political, socio-cultural and economic processes, envisages the adaptation of structures, forms and methods of work of the CIS to new tasks of the dynamically developing world.

In addition, in the year of its chairmanship, Uzbekistan carried out purposeful work to agree and adopt the Program of Cooperation of the CIS Member States in Strengthening Border Security at External Borders for 2021-2025, as well as the Interstate Program for the Development of Innovative Cooperation of the CIS Member States until 2030, aimed at strengthening the innovative component of economic growth based on the development of interstate innovation space.

Coordinated and coherent work on the development and adoption of the above mentioned conceptual and program documents of medium and long-term nature once again confirms the common strategic interests and development goals of the CIS member states, their interest in further expanding and deepening equal, mutually beneficial and multifaceted cooperation on a wide range of issues.

In this regard, the initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev, voiced during the Summit of the Heads of the CIS Member States held on December 18, such as the adoption within the framework of the Commonwealth the “Roadmap” on the digitalization of trade, the Comprehensive program of industrial cooperation.Deradicalization program, the Program of Cooperation on Labor Migration, holding the CIS “Health Marathon” and othersare of particular relevance.

The implementation of these initiatives aimed at the practical implementation of the adopted strategic and conceptual documents will make it possible to take full advantage of the huge potential of the CIS member states, consolidate common efforts to ensure sustainable and progressive development in the Commonwealth space in the post-crisis period.

This, in turn, will confirm the viability of the Commonwealth as an effective mechanism of multilateral cooperation, its readiness to adapt to new realities, the common desire of the CIS member states to steadily improve the welfare, level and quality of life of the people of our countries.

In general, Uzbekistan, having stepped up its participation in the Commonwealth, once again declared its firm commitment to the development of multilateral cooperation.The high results achieved under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the CIS reveal the full support of the participating states in combining our country’s efforts to deepen practical partnership in all areas of political, economic and humanitarian cooperation, ensuring stability and sustainable development in the space of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Christmas cake cutting ceremony held at ICCI

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DNA

ISLAMABAD, DEC 18 – The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a Cake Cutting ceremony to celebrate the Merry Christmas with the Christian community. Reverend Father Sylvester Joseph, Ch. Ashraf Farzand Chairman Pakistan Minority Forum, Ch. Rasheed Fasrzand, Akash Tara, Shahryar Shams, Younas Shakeel, Manzoor Masih, Jameel Khokhar, Moris Jan, Asif Jan and others were present at the occasion.

Speaking at the occasion, Sardar Yasir Ilyas KHan, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the Christian community was playing an important role in the economic development of Pakistan, which was laudable. He said that millions of Christians around the world including Pakistan were preparing to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ who was a symbol of peace, brotherhood and respect for the entire humanity. He said that Jesus Christ not only healed the ailing humanity, he also preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion, which were kept in high esteem in Islam as well. He said that such events contributed to inter-faith harmony and unity in the country. He said that ICCI has formed an Inter-Faith Harmony Sub-Committee with Ch. Ashraf Farzand as its Convener to work for promoting inter-faith harmony and assured that ICCI would continue to play a role for promoting the business interests of traders and industrialists of minority communities so that they could play a more effective role in developing our economy.

Fatma Azim, Senior Vice President and Abdul Rehman Khan Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that all minorities including Christians enjoyed equal rights in Pakistan and all should work hard for the development of our country. They wished Christian community Merry Christmas.

Zafar Bakhrawari, M. Ejaz Abbasi, Khalid Chaudhry and others also lauded the positive role of Christian community in the economic growth of Pakistan and stressed for inter-faith harmony to take the country forward.

Reverend Father Sylvester Joseph read the message of Jesus Christ. He said the message of Jesus Chris was conciliation, love and forgiveness for all that needed to be fully implemented for a peaceful society. He said that all communities in Pakistan have to work together for building a progressive and prosperous Pakistan. Ch. Ashraf Farzand, Convener, Inter-Faith Harmony Sub-Committee of ICCI speaking at the occasion thanked ICCI for organizing the Christmas cake cutting ceremony for Christian community and assured of their full cooperation and support in ICCI initiatives aimed at promoting business interests of minorities.

FPCCI appreciates SBP for waiver of E-form requirement up to US $5000

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Karachi (DNA) Mian Anjum Nisar President “The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry” (FPCCI) and Shaikh Sultan Rehman Vice President applaud The State Bank of Pakistan for the waiver of the E-form requirement for up to the US $5000 per consignment for small industries. He said that this move will facilitate the small exporters, especially women business entrepreneurs, and will tremendously boost the exchequer.

The State Bank of Pakistan has exempted exports from the E-form requirement for up to the US $5000 per consignment in order to boost exports in the changing situation of global consumer markets due to the Covid-19 epidemic crisis. The State Bank of Pakistan has issued a detailed regulatory framework to facilitate Business-to-Consumer (B2C) E-Commerce exports from Pakistan.

They further said that this exemption will facilitate the exporters for sending goods directly to consumers market and will encourage many others who were not able to face the documentations complications. FPCCI always recommends the Government for business friendly policies for the small traders and enterprises. FPCCI appreciates the Government and the State Bank of Pakistan for addressing the concerns and considered the recommendations of FPCCI in this regard.

The FPCCI welcomes the SBP statement in the perspective of global lockdown for Covid-19 pandemic, that consumer market place has now shifted from traditional market place to E-commerce. Pakistan needs to adopt the modern business dynamics of E-commerce. In line with these trends, the SBP focused on facilitating cross border trade for B2C exports from Pakistan.

The SBP collaboration with the relevant stakeholders including the Business Community, Pakistan Customs, Ministry of Commerce, Courier Companies, and Banking Industry in a bid to develop a regulatory framework was also appreciated which will not only address the market needs but also take into account regulatory objectives.

Usman Mukhtar has a message for Pakistanis attending weddings

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Pakistani actor Usman Mukhtar has reminded Pakistanis to practice social distancing every time they attend a wedding.

In an Instagram post that is guaranteed to grab anyone’s attention, the Sabaat actor said he sees people on social media dancing really close to each without caring about contracting the novel coronavirus.

“Care about yourself and if not yourself then the unsuspecting people around you who you’re going to give the virus to. This is life and death. Please be cautious,” he wrote.

Mukhtar himself contracted the virus in October and recovered in the first week of November.

Recently, Mukhtar’s short film Bench was screened at Cannes International Film Festival. The Embassy of Pakistan in France broke the news on Twitter.

The film won an award at the South Shore Film Festival in New York in July and was nominated before that in the best short film category at the Independent Short Awards festival in Los Angeles, USA.

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