The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) received 7,565 complaints, completed 392 inquiries, filed 95 references with the accountability courts and recovered Rs 25 billion in 2012. According to the NAB annual report released on Friday, the bureau authorised 232 fresh inquiries in 2012. It processed 7,889 complaints, completed 392 inquiries and filed 95 references with the accountability courts.
The influx of complaints increased during the year as the organisation received 7,565 complaints taking the total number to 9353, including the backlog of 1788. The report further says, a total of 392 inquiries were finalised (including closure and conversion into formal investigation), whereas, 586 inquiries are under completion. NAB's annual report suggests that out of the total investigation cases, 147 have been finalised while the remaining 232 are under process. During 2012, the NAB also recommended placement of 192 accused on the Exit Control List (ECL) through the Ministry of Interior.
The report says, despite constraints and shortage of qualified human resource, mega corruption cases are being prosecuted in best possible manner. NAB worked with bureaucracy for re-structuring, strengthening of regulatory mechanism to prevent planned corruption in procurements. Numerous committees of bureaucrats were formed in all major areas of governance to improve performance on sustainable basis. Projects worth Rs 1.5 trillion were processed in case of procurements to save over Rs 200 billion, involving planning and pre-tendering irregularities.
The report further indicates that a series of presentations by US Embassy to Senior Management of NAB and Prosecutors were organised during February and March 2012. These presentations provided an opportunity to benefit from the investigation techniques of FBI and Department of Justice. During the preceding year, the NAB International Co-operation Wing (ICW) held a number of meetings with foreign delegates to strengthen international co-operation for anti-corruption as per United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and to arrange foreign trainings for NAB officials to strengthen their investigation skills and capacities.