ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq raised a critical question for the Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) during an official ceremony, questioning the institution’s past performance in light of a recent massive $40 billion recovery.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq directly asked the NAB Chairman to explain why such a substantial sum of $40 billion has been recovered only now, suggesting implicitly that the institution’s focus was elsewhere previously.
The Speaker severely criticized the past functioning of NAB, alleging that the institution was predominantly preoccupied with “political revenge,” making no politician, businessman, or professional secure from its actions. He claimed that previous officials had treated NAB as a “personal fiefdom.”
However, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq strongly commended the current NAB Chairman for initiating significant institutional reforms. He stated that it is an honor for the Chairman to have enforced internal accountability, personally apologized to victims, restored the dignity of officers, and rebuilt the confidence of the business community.
The National Assembly Speaker provided assurance to government officials and businessmen, urging them to report any instances of blackmail. He highlighted the past injustice where thousands of individuals were unjustly placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).
Reflecting on the change, the Speaker admitted he never thought he would attend a NAB ceremony, as historically, one only thought of NAB’s detention cells. He concluded by endorsing the institution, stating that Pakistan is proud of the new NAB, whose recoveries will rightfully be deposited into the national treasury.
