PTBP Web Desk

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has achieved a major breakthrough in its ongoing anti-corruption and financial recovery efforts, announcing the retrieval of Rs1,102.04 billion (approximately USD 3.9 billion) during the third quarter of 2025 (July–September). This marks a 242% increase compared to the previous quarter, positioning NAB as a central force in Pakistan’s campaign to restore transparency, recover stolen public wealth, and strengthen institutional accountability.

According to an official announcement released on Thursday, the bureau’s third-quarter recovery surged by Rs645.74 billion compared to Rs456.3 billion in the second quarter. This brings the total recoveries for the first three quarters of 2025 to a remarkable Rs1,649.36 billion (USD 5.83 billion)—a figure that reflects the agency’s aggressive pursuit of financial crimes and illegal asset accumulation.

The bureau revealed that of the total recovered amount, movable and immovable assets worth Rs1,637.15 billion have already been disbursed and handed over to federal and provincial ministries, public institutions, and various departments. The recoveries include forest land, real estate assets, and state-owned properties previously encroached upon or unlawfully transferred.

Moreover, 17,194 victims affected by fraudulent investment and “cheating public-at-large” cases have been compensated through NAB’s recovery initiatives. This restitution marks a significant milestone in the bureau’s ongoing efforts to protect citizens from financial scams and restore their trust in the accountability process.

NAB detailed a series of key achievements across its regional offices during the third quarter of 2025, highlighting a diverse range of recovered assets and successful legal actions:

• NAB Karachi recovered two valuable plots worth Rs2.8 billion in the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) case. The properties have been officially handed over to KPT.
• NAB Sukkur successfully retrieved 361 acres of land valued at Rs2.5 billion, belonging to the National Highway Authority (NHA).
• NAB Balochistan reclaimed 414,036 acres of forest land worth Rs44.8 billion, reinforcing environmental conservation and the protection of state-owned natural assets.
• NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) recovered state land valued at Rs3.2 billion in a case of illegal allotments, later transferring ownership to the Ministry of Industries.
• A record-breaking 1.39 million acres of mangrove forest land worth Rs1,104.97 billion was recovered nationwide, contributing to a total forest land recovery portfolio of Rs2,592.74 billion.

These recoveries underline NAB’s evolving role not only as an anti-corruption watchdog but also as a protector of Pakistan’s natural and institutional assets.

In addition to asset recovery, NAB has introduced innovative mechanisms to ensure transparency and accessibility in its operations. For the first time, the bureau initiated an online payment and disbursement system for victims of financial scams.

During the third quarter, 5,008 affectees of the high-profile B4U investment fraud case received compensation directly through NAB’s digital disbursement platform. This shift toward digital restitution signifies the organization’s commitment to modernizing accountability practices and improving public convenience.

The statement revealed that NAB’s two-year performance has been its strongest in history. Over the last 24 months, the bureau recovered a total of Rs6,956.8 billion, representing an 829% increase compared to Rs839.08 billion recovered since NAB’s inception.

This dramatic growth in recoveries demonstrates NAB’s expanding reach and improved efficiency in financial investigations, recovery mechanisms, and asset management.

In alignment with the Anti–Money Laundering (AML) Act, NAB has intensified its efforts to combat corruption, financial crimes, and illicit wealth accumulation both within Pakistan and abroad. The bureau confirmed that it has launched a series of investigations targeting high-profile individuals and entities allegedly involved in money laundering, siphoning of illicit proceeds, and illegal offshore transactions.

The NAB statement noted that credible information and evidence had guided these actions, with preliminary assessments indicating that further substantial recoveries are expected from ongoing cases. These investigations aim to bring significant funds back into the national exchequer and deter future financial misconduct.

“NAB remains committed to pursuing all cases vigorously and without discrimination, reaffirming its resolve to uphold accountability and strengthen Pakistan’s financial integrity,” the official statement read.

NAB’s record-breaking recovery performance during 2025 not only boosts Pakistan’s fiscal health but also reinforces its international reputation for governance reforms and anti-corruption compliance. The bureau’s recent actions also align with the country’s broader efforts to meet Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on anti-money laundering and countering terror financing.

By focusing on systemic reforms, digital disbursements, and institutional transparency, NAB aims to promote sustainable governance and accountability across all sectors of the economy.