LAHORE: National Accountability Bureau Chairman Chaudhry Qamar Zaman has directed the officials to complete investigation of cases at the earliest.

“Pursue all cases vigorously and expeditiously to ensure swift justice,” the chairman said at the meeting of officials at NAB Punjab Headquarters on Friday. “Delay in the cases also reduces chances of recovering losses to the national exchequer.”

He said in terms of conviction rate, the NAB had done fairly well compared to other anti-corruption agencies “but there is always room for improvement”.

Mr Zaman said the character building societies (CBS) in institutions would play a critical role in raising awareness against corruption. He said these should be established in the province. “Awareness and prevention should not be confused with investigation and prosecution,” he said, adding that NAB should take lead in fighting corruption.

Punjab NAB Director General Hasnain Ahmed briefed the meeting about the status of the cases being dealt with by the region. He said the NAB Punjab had established 13,936 CBS in different districts, especially in the educational institutions.

The Punjab NAB had reviewed pre-tendering process in 86 contracts amounting to Rs2.71 billion. The bureau also reviewed 128 post-tender contracts amounting to Rs51.48 billion out of which scrutiny of 98 had been completed whereas 30 projects were under review.

The chairman learnt that the Punjab NAB scrutinised 408 complaints. The region was investigating 992 cases. The Punjab NAB has filed 668 references out of which the accused in 229 cases have been convicted and 101 acquitted.

“The region has recovered Rs26.436 billion since 2006 and it is the leading region of NAB in the recovery of dues from electricity defaulters”.

The chairman also directed that the cases of cheating public at large be given priority so that the looted money may be recovered.