National Accountability Bureau
NAB
Summary
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was established under the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO), 1999, as Pakistan's primary anti-corruption prosecution authority. The NAB Chairman is appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly for a single non-renewable 4-year term; removal requires a Supreme Judicial Council inquiry and Presidential order. NAB has extensive investigative powers including powers of arrest, asset freezing, and the authority to require the production of documents and the attendance of witnesses. The 2022 National Accountability (Amendment) Act significantly curtailed NAB's jurisdiction, removing authority over certain regulatory decisions and private sector actors, and raising the minimum corruption threshold. NAB has been the subject of sustained controversy regarding perceived use for political purposes by successive governments; its independence and impartiality have been questioned by domestic and international observers. Conviction data and annual reports are published by NAB.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 4 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- National Accountability Ordinance, 1999
- Citation
- Ordinance No. XVIII of 1999 (as amended, including National Accountability (Amendment) Act 2022)
Jurisdiction scope
Public officials, politicians, businesspersons, and private citizens involved in corruption, embezzlement, misuse of authority, and financial crimes against the state; jurisdiction narrowed by 2022 amendments to exclude private sector disputes and limit scope over elected officials