NAB Posts Record Rs547 Billion Recovery in First Half of 2025
Islamabad — Pakistan’s top anti-graft watchdog, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), has reported unprecedented asset and fund recoveries in the first six months of 2025, reclaiming a total of Rs547 billion — the highest mid-year figure in its history.
According to NAB’s latest performance report, the bulk of this recovery — Rs456 billion — came in just the second quarter (April–June), dwarfing the Rs91 billion secured in the first three months of the year. This marks a nearly fivefold quarterly jump in recoveries.
Victims Compensated, Properties Returned
The bureau said it returned funds to 12,611 victims of various fraud schemes, while also restoring movable and immovable properties valued at Rs532 billion to federal and provincial departments, state institutions, and financial bodies.
Two-Year Recovery at Nearly Rs6 Trillion
NAB claims it has retrieved assets worth Rs5.85 trillion over the past two years — a staggering 700% increase compared to the total Rs839 billion recovered in the agency’s first two decades of operation.
Targeting State Land Under Illegal Possession
The watchdog is now working closely with provincial revenue departments to reclaim state assets allegedly held by “corrupt elements.” Early estimates suggest that about Rs5 trillion worth of public land remains in unlawful hands — a figure NAB says it is determined to bring back into government control.
Why This Matters
While critics often question NAB’s methods and political impartiality, these figures underscore its growing ability — or at least activity — in reclaiming public wealth. If the momentum continues into the year’s second half, Pakistan could see its largest-ever annual anti-corruption recovery haul.
