NAB chief begins distribution of Rs3.2bn among scam victims

LAHORE: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Lahore, has initiated disbursement of Rs3.20 billion among the Eden housing scam victims.

The cheque distribution ceremony, held at NAB Lahore, was attended by Chairman NAB Lt-Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmad as the chief guest. The event was conducted under the supervision of Director General NAB Lahore, Ghulam Safdar Shah.

In his address, the NAB chairman highlighted that the total claims submitted by 11,880 victims against Eden administration amounted to Rs13 billion; however, NAB succeeded in plea bargain of Rs16 billion, exceeding the total claimed amount by 23pc, thereby ensuring enhanced compensation for all the affected. He informed that NAB Lahore has, so far, recovered Rs11.8 billion from Eden authorities, out of which Rs8.6 billion has already been disbursed among the victims. With the commencement of fifth instalment of Rs3.2 billion, the Bureau continues its efforts to recover the remaining Rs4.2 billion, for which the performance of NAB Lahore merits recognition and appreciation. He further announced that, going forward, victims will no longer be required to visit NAB offices to receive their compensation; instead, the payments will be transferred directly into their bank accounts through a streamlined digital system. The chairman appreciated NAB Lahore and investigation teams decisively working against illegal housing schemes and noted that since its establishment, the Bureau had achieved record recoveries totalling to Rs236 billion, with Rs233 billion disbursed to approximately 94,000 affectees.