ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has introduced internal reforms to weed out frivolous complaints and ensure “transparency” in investigations.

       In a statement, the accountability watchdog said the “revolutionary reforms within its hierarchy” would also improve public perception of the bureau.

       According to the new guidelines, mala fide, frivolous complaints will be considered cognisable offences and liable, with applicants liable for legal actions.

       The anti-graft watchdog has also decided to shift its focus towards “mega corruption and money laundering cases”.

       The bureau has also introduced a “thorough” complaint verification process, during which defendants cannot be called in for questioning.

       “If a complaint is received against a woman, she will be called in for investigation along with a blood relative, and in case her relative is not available, a female officer of NAB will conduct the inquiry,” the bureau’s statement added.

       New parameters have been defined for filing complaints, with applicants bound to submit complete personal details, with an affidavit that the “complaint is correct and without any malafide intentions”.

       The accused will be addressed as “defendants” under the new guidelines, and their identity will be kept secret until proven guilty.

       Specific guidelines have also been issued for processing the complaints against elected representatives, bureaucrats and businesspersons.

       The complaints against officials of up to Grade-19 will be authorised by regional director generals, and that against Grade-20 officials by the NAB chairman.

       The officials will not be called in person during the verification and inquiry stages, as per the new guidelines.

       Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2024