LAHORE – National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Lahore has initiated the disbursement of Rs3.20 billion among Eden Housing Scam victims. The cheque distribution ceremony, held at NAB Lahore, was graced as chief guest by Chairman NAB, Lt Gen (retired), Nazir Ahmad. The event was conducted under the supervision of Director General NAB Lahore, Mr Ghulam Safdar Shah.
In his address, the Chairman NAB highlighted that the total claims submitted by 11880 victims against Eden administration amounted to Rs13 billion, however, NAB succeeded in plea bargain of Rs16 billion, exceeding the total claimed amount by 23%, thereby ensuring enhanced compensation for all the affectees. He informed that NAB Lahore has, so far, recovered Rs11.8 billion from Eden authorities, out of which Rs8.6 billion has already been disbursed among the victims. With the commencement of the fifth installment of Rs3.2 billion, the Bureau continues its efforts to recover the remaining Rs4.2 billion, for which the performance of NAB Lahore merits recognition and appreciation.
He further announced that, going forward, victims will no longer be required to visit NAB offices to receive their compensation; instead, the payments will be transferred directly into their bank accounts through a streamlined digital system. The Chairman appreciated NAB Lahore and investigation teams decisively working against illegal housing schemes and noted that since its establishment, the Bureau has achieved record recoveries totaling to Rs236 billion, with Rs233 billion disbursed to approximately 94,000 affectees. While outlining NAB’s broader accountability agenda, the Chairman revealed that, in collaboration with provincial governments, comprehensive reforms in Real Estate sector are currently being implemented. He also disclosed NAB’s plan to launch a comprehensive nationwide crackdown against fraudulent allotments of public land, again in coordination with provincial governments.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director General NAB Lahore, Mr Ghulam Safdar Shah, reiterated that since inception, NAB Lahore has recovered a total of Rs236 billion, including Rs45.5 billion through direct recoveries, Rs177 billion indirectly, Rs12 billion through settlements, and Rs1 billion in court-imposed fines. He added that NAB Lahore has filed 1,381 References before Accountability Courts from which 1,265 References have been decided.
The DG further elaborated on key reforms introduced during the tenure of Chairman NAB which include monthly public hearings (Khuli Katcheri), establishment of Business and Overseas facilitation desks in all regions of NAB, adoption of the term “defendant” during inquiries, ensuring dignity until proven guilty, confidentiality of suspects’ identities during investigation, revisions to NAB’s auction policy, establishment of a dedicated Land Directorate at NAB Headquarters, implementation of the E-Office system for enhanced operational efficiency, integration of Artificial Intelligence in investigative processes, development of comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering guidelines, a wide array of employee welfare and institutional capacity-building measures. While concluding ceremony, Chairman NAB awarded certificates of appreciation to the members of the Combined Investigation Team (CIT) in recognition of their exemplary efforts in successfully investigating and resolving complex Eden Housing Scam.