In Pakistan, the working process of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has always been the most controversial issue since its inception in the late 1990s. The institution, which is solely meant to curb corruption and corrupt practices, has been used, at times, to intimidate political opponents. The PTI and its leaders have always argued that corruption is a big problem which has slowed down the process of development and progress in the country. During its protests and electoral campaigns, the party used to urge the authorities to arrest those who have looted the country’s money and kept it in foreign banks. The current accountability process, which was started as soon as the PTI came to power, has been marred by the allegations of political victimisation. There is a long list of opposition leaders who have been arrested without any strong case against them. The high courts have also pointed out that NAB abused its power when it arrested PML-N leaders without solid evidence. The national watchdog needs to look within. It must find out those areas which need improvement. It has been rightly highlighted in the recent judgment passed by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that NAB has exceeded its authority.
Why did NAB fail to gather evidence against the people it arrested? Is this the Naya Pakistan which was promised by the PTI? Were we looking forward to living in a country where political leaders, bureaucrats and traders are humiliated and arrested on frivolous charges? The ruling party needs to take step to reform NAB.
Sajjad Khattak
Attock
