NAB, OPF join forces to address overseas Pakistanis complaints

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a formal framework for mutual cooperation and strategic coordination to address all forms of issues and complaints of overseas Pakistanis, related to property disputes, financial fraud, misuse of authority, and other matters which may require NAB’s intervention.

The MoU was signed between NAB and OPF - Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development, at a ceremony at the NAB Headquarters on Thursday.

Director General, (Welfare & Services Division (OPF) Mrs. Laeeqa Ambreen and Director General (A&P) NAB Izhar Ahmed Awan signed the MoU in the presence of NAB Chairman Lt-Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmed; Prosecutor General Accountability, Syed Ihtesham Qadir Shah; Chairman OPF Board of Governors Syed Qamar Raza; Managing Director OPF Muhammad Afzal Bhatti and other senior officers. The main objective of the MoU is to create an efficient and collaborative mechanism whereby OPF and NAB shall jointly address and resolve grievances reported by overseas Pakistanis. Such grievances may encompass, without limitation, fraudulent practices in housing schemes, disputes pertaining to property possession, allotment and incidents of financial mismanagement or irregularities perpetrated by housing developers and private individuals.

A dedicated facilitation desk or cell for overseas Pakistanis will be established at all NAB offices, including the head office and regional offices, to receive and process complaints referred by the OPF or Overseas Pakistanis, directly. A helpline will also be established between NAB and OPF for constant liaison to address overseas Pakistanis’ complaints.

Earlier, an OPF team gave a detailed briefing on the working of OPF and issues faced by oversees Pakistanis.

On the occasion, NAB Chairman Lt-Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmed emphasised that overseas Pakistanis are a valuable asset to the country, and NAB, in collaboration with OPF, will take all possible measures to resolve their issues. He further said NAB will ensure that those who cheat or defraud overseas Pakistanis receive appropriate legal punishments.