National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry Monday said that NAB was committed to eradicate corruption by using all its resources by adopting zero tolerance. He termed the eradication of corruption as a national duty.
He said this while addressing as the chief guest after inauguration of new building of NAB Headquarters here. He said, ‘The new building of NAB Headquarters with modern architectural design and the physical transformation and modernisation bears a strong resemblance to the transformation of the NAB itself over the past 18 years’.
Qamar Zaman said that NAB had grown in size and importance, gradually establishing itself as a nationally, and globally recognised anti-corruption agency. These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the present and past chairmen, officers and staff.
He said that NAB, being an apex anti-corruption agency, has become the most tangible symbol of our nation’s struggle for a corruption-free society.
He said that NAB Headquarter stood here today in close proximity of Constitution Avenue, reflecting all the vital integrity pillars of our governance model i.e. the Parliament, Supreme Court etc and there was no denying of the fact that the NAB was an important contributor to the achievement of good governance.
The chief said that NAB, as an institution, had played a central role in galvanising anti-corruption efforts all over the country, it has become a focal point for people frustrated without public sector institutions. “We have developed and introduced online complaint registration system along with dedicated telephone lines for assistance of general public and complainants, we listen very carefully to what all our citizens are saying,” he said.
He said that Pakistan had been consistently improving in Corruption Perception Index (CPI) – 127/175 (2013) to 126/174 (2014) to 117/167 (2015) to 116/176 (2016). “But this is just the beginning. The fight against corruption is complex and long-drawn and cannot be undertaken much less any single entity institution. The state and society will have to act in unison to rid our nation from this scourge of corruption,” he remarked.
He said the NAB would continue its fearless fight against corruption, without any discrimination with honesty and objectivity.
He said that the new building of NAB Headquarters was a credit to all those who worked hard for its completion. He appreciated the efforts of all ranks and files of NAB, PWD, consultants and contractors who worked diligently against all odds.