ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has returned Rs27 million to the victims of five different frauds.

NAB chief retired Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed Butt distributed the cheques among the affectees on Monday.

In his address at the occasion, Mr Butt said the bureau will remain apolitical and work within its constitutional domain.

The statement has come a day before the appearance of PTI Chairman Imran Khan before an Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad. Mr Khan has already expressed the apprehension that he will be arrested on Tuesday.

The bureau, which arrested the PTI chief in connection with the Al-Qadir case on May 9, was again ready to take him into custody, according to sources.

Accountability watchdog chief vows to keep bureau ‘apolitical’

In his first public appearance since March, the NAB chief directed the officers to treat the accused with dignity and respect. “All accused deserve courtesy and civility therefore treat them as you would like to be treated.”

The NAB chief, who was appointed in March, also attempted to dispel the impression that the organisation was being used for arm twisting of political opponents. “In the past, NAB found itself involved in undue controversies after which it lost focus and damaged its reputation.”

Mr Butt said his foremost task will be “to restore the image of NAB as a fair, just and unbiased organisation”.

Later in his address to the NAB Rawalpindi employees, Mr Butt appreciated their performance which led to massive recoveries.

According to the bureau, it has recovered over Rs3.5 billion.

The recoveries include Rs130m in Sindh Tractors Scheme, Rs500m in the Askari Housing scam, Rs1.9bn in the National House Building Development Corporation scam and others.

The NAB chief also appreciated the affectees for their patience and assured them that every effort would be made to conclude such cases in the shortest possible time in future.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2023