ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has emphasised the need for effective measures to eradicate corruption, adding that transparency and accountability are the fundamental pillars of good governance.

“Promoting transparency is indispensable for sustainable development,” stated Mr Gilani.

He expressed these views in a meeting with Chairman NAB Lieutenant General (Retd) Nazir Ahmed at Parliament House on Thursday. The meeting included a detailed discussion on matters related to transparency and the elimination of corruption across all national institutions.

Highlighting the pivotal role of the National Accountability Bureau, the chairman Senate appreciated its contribution towards promoting good governance and national prosperity. He acknowledged with profound appreciation the bureau’s relentless efforts in combating corruption and upholding transparency and accountability across all sectors of Pakistan.

Chairman Gilani remarked, “Throughout my journey, from serving as Prime Minister to Speaker of the National Assembly and now as Chairman Senate, I have consistently championed the ideals of transparency and accountability.”

He emphasised that “these are not merely administrative concepts but, in fact, the two main pillars upon which good governance stands.”

He added that these principles are also aligned with the global agenda, particularly the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which underscore the importance of strong institutions and reduced corruption for sustainable development.

Referring to NAB’s Annual Report 2025, Chairman Gilani termed it an exceptionally significant document that provides valuable insights into the bureau’s performance and strategic direction. He also highlighted that the Senate of Pakistan publishes its own annual report, reflecting a shared institutional commitment to transparency and accountability and ensuring that the public remains informed about performance and progress.

Upon reviewing the key highlights of the NAB Annual Report 2025, the chairman Senate expressed particular appreciation for the historic recovery of over Rs6 trillion, marking the highest annual recovery since the bureau’s inception in 1999.

He noted that this remarkable achievement demonstrates NAB’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding public funds and national assets.

He further commended the report’s focus on integrating financial recoveries with institutional reforms, digital innovation, and citizen-centric approaches, describing it as a forward-looking strategy aligned with the vision of a corruption-free Pakistan, strengthening public trust and institutional integrity.

Chairman Gilani reiterated that NAB’s continued commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability is vital for Pakistan’s progress and stability.

He assured that the Senate of Pakistan stands firmly with NAB in its critical mission to achieve a truly corruption-free Pakistan.

The chairman Senate emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between institutions to strengthen governance frameworks and ensure justice for all citizens. He expressed optimism about continued cooperation between the Senate and NAB in pursuit of these shared national objectives. He also expressed confidence that the chairman NAB would continue to deliver with the same commitment and dedication, particularly in efforts aimed at rooting out corruption and curbing excesses in the country.

During the meeting, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Finance Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Chairperson Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri were also present.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) has been selected to host the second Global Conference of Parliamentary Training Institutes (PTIs) in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

These decisions were taken during the inaugural conference of the PTIs, held on March 23–24, 2026, in Accra, Ghana. The conference was attended virtually by Executive Director PIPS Asim Khan Goraya, along with the PIPS team, after plans to travel to Ghana were cancelled in compliance with the austerity measures announced by the government.

It is worth mentioning that Chairman Senate Gilani is also President of the PIPS Board of Governors.

Pakistan has also become a member of the interim steering committee of Global Parliamentary Training Institutes (PTIs), along with five other countries, namely Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya and Thailand.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2026