Applied Economics Research Center (AERC), University of Karachi Invited lecture/Seminar on, Accountability; A Measuring Instrument Leading to Economic and Social Development By Mr. Zahir Shah, Deputy Chairman NAB Pakistan.
Mr. Zahir Shah, Deputy Chairman National Accountability Bureau visited his Alma Mater, that is Applied Economic Research Centre, University of Karachi on Friday 11th February, 2022, to discuss the role and importance of National Accountability Bureau in reducing the socio-economic discrepancies in the line of responsibilities, in public and private sector of Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Samina Khalil, Director of the AERC welcomed Mr. Shah and thanked him for taking out some of his very precious time from his busy schedule to visit AERC. According to Mr. Zahir Shah NAB was established in 1999 through promulgation of National Accountability Ordinance (NAO). The objective was to establish an organization or an authority to conduct across the board accountability to eradicate corruption and corrupt practices and recover the looted money.
Mr. Zahir Shah explained in detail the role of NAB as an apex Anti-Corruption Body, In his very illuminating talk, he mentioned that accountability is defined as questioning a person, responsible for the decisions or acts undertaken during his/her services. It is the answerability for a position entrusted with governance, governance and public trust, acceptability of social values and criminalizing the offence of corruption and bribery.
Accountability is a reversal of impeding economic and social degradation. He explained the measurement techniques and highlighted the available Instruments and skills to undertake such responsibility in Pakistan. Deputy Chairman NAB, Mr. Shah, expounded in detail the impacts of corruption on economic and social development and elucidated NAB in its international role. He said that NAB has been a helping hand to build and restore the confidence of indigenous entrepreneur and foreign investors in Pakistan. NAB has been a successful institute, leading towards higher international trust in Pakistan. In the final round of questions and answers, Mr. Shah said that NAB brings back the looted money but NAB is not responsible for its investment and distribution. Some other institutions operate with this purpose and serve in this domain.
