Iranian delegation calls on NAB chairman

Islamabad: Attorney General of Islamic Republic of Iran Syed Jafer Montazeri and Ambassador of Iran Mehdi Honardoost along with their delegation called on National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, at NAB headquarters, says a press release.

Iranian ambassador, NAB deputy chairman and prosecutor general accountability (PGA) attended the meeting.

NAB chairman while welcoming the delegation said that corruption is a menace for all developing countries especially in Asia, which are striving for growth and maintain economic stability. Last two decade witnessed a global realisation about harmful effects of corruption on economy, rule of law and functioning of public and private sector institutions. This wide spread feeling compelled states to have proper mechanism within their countries for eradication of corruption.

He explained the working of NAB and overall anti-corruption regime in Pakistan in detail. He said that NAB being Pakistan’s apex anti-corruption organisation has been assigned with the responsibility of elimination of corruption through a holistic approach of awareness, prevention and enforcement.

He said that NAB had chalked out a comprehensive National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS). Under NACS, NAB has adopted Zero Tolerance Policy and proactive approach to curb corruption and corrupt practices from the country. NAB during the last 16 years has received about 324,313 complaints from individuals and private/public organisations. During this period NAB completed about 6,507 inquiries, out of which 3,252 were matured for formal investigation. NAB’s prime focus is on cases of cheating public at large by fraudulent financial companies, bank frauds, wilful bank loan defaults, misuse of authority and embezzlement of state funds by government servants, etc.

He said that NAB has developed an effective Monitoring and Evaluation System catering to the needs of all concerned having salient features of maintenance of data at each stage including complaint entry, complaint verification, inquiry, investigation, prosecution and Regional Board meetings. It has ability to analyze data in qualitative and quantitative forms having warnings and alarms system for violators.

He said that Pakistan is considered a role model in SAARC  countries as it is the only country who’s CPI Index has been decreased according to Transparency International (TI) report from 126 to 117. Pakistan has become the first chairman of SAARC Anti-Corruption Forum which is a great achievement for NAB as well as for Pakistan.

Syed Jafer Montazeri, Attorney General, Iran appreciated the performance of NAB. He briefed about the working of anti-corruption institutions in Iran. There are three set-ups dealing with anti-corruption issues in Iran. There is a National Accountability Bureau, Judicial Anti-Corruption Organization and Public Accounts Committee. They all work to eradicate corruption from the society. He lauded the efforts of NAB Pakistan. He appreciated its work output and requested for a written report about its mechanism. Both sides agreed to have more frequent contacts and cooperation on issues of mutual interests. At the end, the two delegations exchanged souvenirs.