DESPARDES — China envoy to Pakistan Yao Jing with Director-General Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) Chen Guomeng this week called on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Javed Iqbal at the latter’s headquarters.
The two ‘iron-brothers’ state agencies for accountability reiterated cooperation in all areas to eradicate corruption in the future.
On the discussion table were bilateral matters such as mutual legal assistance, extradition, United Nations Convection against Corruption (UNCAC) and training need assistance for capability and capacity building.
Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also inked with the country’s closest ally–partner in the multi-billion dollar Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) –to streamline and structure, and enhance cooperation in field of anti-corruption.
The MoU was signed to focus on anti-corruption objectives in projects related to the CPEC– the mega initiative considered a game-changer for both ‘iron brothers’ and the region is entering the second phase.
The two nation’s judicial institutions also have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in place– the MoU was signed in 2017, during a previous visit to China by the then CJP.
The Chinese team’s visit and meet with NAB delegation is said to be a follow-up on matters related to the anti-graft MoU between the two allies, said a source.
Earlier this week, Justice (r) Iqbal said the country’s accountability watchdog had put a particular focus on illegal housing societies and mega corruption cases for recovery of looted money from corrupt elements.
The bureau head last October established a 10-month time-specific process for handling mega cases’ investigation through filing of complaint with Courts.
NAB’s main focus remains on mega corruption cases and scams, housing societies/cooperative societies, fraudulent financial companies, bank frauds, willful bank loan defaults, misuse of authority, money laundering and embezzlement of state funds etc.
In the Double Shah scam alone, NAB Lahore recovered and distributed more than Rs1.05 billion among thousands of victim.
The national watchdog’s Lahore branch has reportedly filed 14 corruption references related to the housing sector (Property black hole of Pak economy) worth Rs26 Billion over the last two years.
The NAB has reportedly recovered billions of Rupees following standard acceptable practice worldwide related to white collar crimes, such as plea bargains, restitution, liens, garnishments, etc.
