NAB has lost its credibility, says information minister

E-Paper | May 07, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed on Wednesday hit out at the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), saying it has lost its credibility by failing to curb corruption.

Speaking to media representatives outside Parliament House, the minister also called for major reforms in the accountability establishment. His statements come a day after NAB officials had filed a report of 150 mega corruption cases before the Supreme Court.

Know more: NAB submits list of 150 mega corruption cases to apex court

NAB had submitted a list that include cases against high profile figures, including incumbent Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his brother and Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, former premiers, ministers and top bureaucrats.

Rasheed alleged that the NAB was used as a tool by former president and dictator Pervez Musharaf to intimidate and harass opponents in the past.

He said that NAB has leveled false allegations against the political leadership and the performance of the bureau itself must be scrutinised.

The minister further said that Nawaz Sharif has been elected as prime minister for the third time and the manner in which NAB has tried to bring his reputation to question has hurt the sentiments of millions of people who have faith in him.

Expressing displeasure at the conduct of the bureau — in terms of cases of corruption for the last 15 years or so — the minister noted that NAB and its officials need to be held accountable.

He further claimed that NAB failed to prosecute suspects in a court of law, while it engaged in public slander and blackmail.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

FCC sets aside Income Tax Ordinance section enabling taxation on ‘deemed income’ from assets and property

‘We are prepared’: DG ISPR highlights indigenous military capabilities on Marka-i-Haq anniversary

Breathe Pakistan 2026: Need for multi-sectoral approach towards climate action highlighted

AXH

Jul 08, 2015 05:36pm

Hilarious, isn't it. So, as long as the NAB does not name certain people, there is no issue with its findings and it is doing a fine job in curbing corruption. However, as long as certain names are mentioned, NAB's credibility is questioned.

Recommend 0

Azi

Jul 08, 2015 05:41pm

Because it put the names of PML-N big guns in list of ultra scams.

Recommend 0

SOS

Jul 08, 2015 05:43pm

lol NAB has lost its credibility? I hope it opens up your corruption merry go round circus then!!!

Recommend 0

Zak

Jul 08, 2015 05:45pm

All they want is no accountability no law

Recommend 0

Aftab Alam Khan

Jul 08, 2015 05:45pm

When NAB performance is challenged inasmuch as it requires scrutiny of its own affairs then who and how corruption cases will be handled.

Recommend 0

Amir

Jul 08, 2015 05:52pm

So what's new?

Recommend 0

Sikander Shallwani

Jul 08, 2015 05:58pm

They are all in the same boat

Recommend 0

Haroon

Jul 08, 2015 06:00pm

So its coming after you and your masters and hence has lost its credibility...because all of you are angels...

Recommend 0

Truth

Jul 08, 2015 06:14pm

What has this Govt done to minimise corruption - with NAB or without NAB. When NAB has sent names for mega scams when asked by SC, its credibility is being questioned by the same very people who changed its complexion through appointing NAB Chairman through consultation between PM and Leader of Opposition.

Recommend 0

turbo

Jul 08, 2015 06:15pm

well NAB chief is appointed by PM with consent of opposition. try making NAB autonomous and the see the real accountability!

Recommend 0

Zak

Jul 08, 2015 06:29pm

Tell me one thing that still has an iota of credibility left in this great nation.

Recommend 0

Malik

Jul 08, 2015 06:30pm

I heard him on TV as well. Long lecture to hide the misdeeds of his own party. What a shame to cover up? NAB has limitation because all these big honchos frustrate their penitentiary and investigatory skills. A case in point was the sons of both former Chief Minister and PM Gilani. Both of them tried all the leverage of their families to frustrate all of the investigation and prosecution.

Recommend 0

Dr kamran

Jul 08, 2015 06:34pm

They had dirty hearts now the time has exposed there ugliest faces.

Recommend 0

ali

Jul 08, 2015 06:37pm

Daring confession of a govt spokesperson about failure of one of his own key institution. Resignation plz!?

Recommend 0

excalibur

Jul 08, 2015 07:03pm

All the cases have nothing to do with Perevz Musharraf.. Now even the NRO has also been abolished so why are you blaming him

Recommend 0

Gaz

Jul 08, 2015 07:10pm

Right so looks like NAB is doing a great job and making progress after reading this Ministers statement.

Recommend 0

Mushtaqrahim

Jul 08, 2015 07:14pm

The relevance and importance of NAB cannot be denied . It will become more credible and relevant if the INSTITUTION is allowed to function . The problem with our society is that it does not have the patience to let a system function uninterruptedly , may it be democracy . The LOCAL BODY system is a very fresh in our very recent memory. We have to learn to understand the sanctity of a system .

Recommend 0

Muhammad

Jul 08, 2015 07:26pm

No one of corrupts in power wants to be accountable... NAB should be permitted to get hold of corrupts.

Recommend 0

talha

Jul 08, 2015 07:52pm

It's a bold move on part of chairman NAB to nominate current PM and ruling parties CM

Recommend 0

Taimoor Khan

Jul 08, 2015 07:55pm

HAHAHA. A day after NAB brought the eye opening list of massive corruption among the leaders of PML(N) and PPP, Mr information minister came up with his utterance.

Recommend 0

Jul 08, 2015 08:06pm

When the Rangers start cleaning up Karachi the PPP and MQM accuse it of exceeding its authority and being a tool of anti-democratic forces. When NAB publishes list of those being investigated for corruption PMLN accuses it of being a tool of Musharraf. Oh I see it now, and how could I miss it! All the troubles of Pakistan are due to that one man alone - unfettered corruption, mismanagement, and crime. Let's get rid of him and all of our problems will be solved!

Recommend 0

SBS

Jul 08, 2015 08:08pm

If history has taught us anything it's to solve this problem of corruption we must reelect the same guys next time. Let's go for it! We Pakistanis are the real thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies.

Recommend 0

Jul 08, 2015 08:11pm

Whatever happened to that NAB officer who was found hanging from the ceiling fan?

Recommend 0

Jul 08, 2015 08:14pm

Sir, this man finally admitted with corruption in the government. He had been critical of every body in the politics.

Recommend 0

Euro

Jul 08, 2015 08:20pm

Atleast NAB named people hich matters, PM and his brother the CM. Zardari alone stole 23,5 billion dollas from Pakistan.

Recommend 0

M Jamal

Jul 08, 2015 08:23pm

Islamabad Metro is a new case for NAB and Supreme Court for mega corruption.

Recommend 0

Jul 08, 2015 08:24pm

Information Minister is correct in saying that NAB was set up by General Musharaf as an accountability organization but later the General himself used it for political victimization. NAB was not allowed to investigate military officers, so what is the point of selective accountability? NAB should be shut down now because the same job is in the jurisdiction of FIA. The Parliament should make FIA as an autonomous organization as well as give resources to FIA for doing its job. Autonomy is critical otherwise FIA will remain a tool of the ruling party. The oversight of FIA should be conducted by Judicial council and NOT by the ministry of interior

Recommend 0

think_then_speak

Jul 08, 2015 08:29pm

When this prime minister was ejected people were distributing sweets in Lahore. Bragging about mandate to subvert justice and criminal investigation is the greatest disservice to the people who voted PML to power.

Recommend 0

Baba Ji

Jul 08, 2015 08:31pm

This politician and his leadership are calling military coup by rejecting NAB.

Recommend 0

think_then_speak

Jul 08, 2015 08:33pm

Hilarious, there is corruption and NAB is to blame. What is your government doing honorable minister?

Recommend 0

Sumair

Jul 08, 2015 08:34pm

Pervaiz Rasheed and "Credibility" in the same sentence. Weird

Recommend 0

Rakaposhi

Jul 08, 2015 08:42pm

Said by the most credible man Parvez Rashid!

Recommend 0

damaani

Jul 08, 2015 09:09pm

If you are so worried about its credibility, why not make it autonomous?

Recommend 0

Sadaf

Jul 08, 2015 09:19pm

It is good if it suits them. Otherwise, it is a farce. That is what you can expect from conmen

Recommend 0

Ahmed

Jul 08, 2015 09:54pm

Instead you have no creditability. Let the evidence speak itself. People of Pakistan deserve accountability regardless who is involved.

Recommend 0

Lucky Star

Jul 09, 2015 12:50am

Not guilty until proven!

Recommend 0

Jul 09, 2015 01:04am

Perhaps we ought to tell the Information Minister that someone needs to put the bell round the cat(s) neck, unfortunately it can't be the mouse!

Recommend 0

Akram Malik

Jul 09, 2015 02:09am

The information Minister should know that the obligation to get rid of corruption is not only the responsibility of the NAB, but also a duty of the government as well. It is true that the incumbent PM has been elected for the third time, but this does not give him a license to misuse that trust. No, the allegations have not hurt the feelings of millions, on the contrary, we all will come the efforts of NAB.

Recommend 0

Atif Jafri

Jul 09, 2015 02:18am

It is not NAB, it is Information Minister who has lost credibility (if he had any). NAB has actually gained credibility with this.

Recommend 0

bkt

Jul 09, 2015 02:28am

Either NAB has lost its credibility or you have, minister sahib. Take a referendum and you will find that the millions who have faith in your kindred spirits all believe what NAB is saying. If it wasn't for NRO, our present leaders wouldn't be here at all so you should be thanking Musharraf for this anti-Pakistan action of NRO. Hopefully you will do something about the leaking roofs of the metro before you make any more such statements, Minister Sahib!

Recommend 0

asif

Jul 09, 2015 02:40am

I didn't realise that voters cleans up all the sins. Now I understand why politicians think there is no God.......when they have voters :) No matter if they are fake one..

Recommend 0

Syed Ganga Din

Jul 09, 2015 03:14am

I didn't know that NAB or any other organization had any credibility. There is nothing to lose, that's why they act the way they act.

Recommend 0

Sadiq Goher

Jul 09, 2015 04:08am

What about our high profile politicians @

Recommend 0

firozejavaid

Jul 09, 2015 04:14am

@AW FIA is a TOOL of politicians.

Recommend 0

ARIF

Jul 09, 2015 04:50am

Running NAB and curbing corruption is the responsibility of Federal govt. It NAB doesn't work properly it means we have incompetent govt

Recommend 0

Gul Pasha

Jul 09, 2015 04:59am

The case was filed against NS back in 1999 on the basis of an unnamed complainant for the construction of a road leading towards raiwind at a cost of 12.5 crore rupees. Since 1999 the case is still pending for inquiry. Now after 16 years of inaction NAB has submitted this case as one of the top mega corruption case to supreme court. The question is why NAB is activated only when it is required to corner certain political figures. why we spend money on such an institution which has largely remained dormant and ineffective in most of its history.NAB is the legacy of a dictator who himself devastated it and made it a laughing stock when allowed plea bargain and gave blanket amnesty to his supporters under NRO.

Recommend 0

Yasir Khan

Jul 09, 2015 06:06am

So now government wants to make reforms in NAB to hide their Billions of Dollars of Corruption. Wake up Pakistan please!!!

Recommend 0

Akil Akhtar

Jul 09, 2015 06:15am

Shameful...these politicians do not have any shame in openly supporting corruption.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Indus Cloud Limited, Indus DC REIT and UBL form strategic partnership to accelerate Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and cloud adoption

This collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s digital backbone and locally hosted cloud services for enterprises and public sector organisations.