Almost half of the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) 179 mega corruption cases have been closed or resolved against high-profile politicians, including the Sharif brothers.
Notable beneficiaries include former prime ministers Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, prominent figures Firdous Ashiq Awan and Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, President Asif Ali Zardari, former Habib Bank Limited chief Younus Habib and Senator Sehar Kamran.
According to NAB’s recent update, the status of these cases has changed since they were submitted to the Supreme Court in May 2015. Initially, there were 81 inquiries, 52 investigations, and 46 court references.
Currently, three inquiries and four investigations are ongoing, 87 references are under trial, and 85 cases, primarily inquiries and investigations, have been disposed of as of April 30, 2024. Among the disposed of cases, some were decided in favour of or against the accused in accountability courts.
Specific investigations involving Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif have been closed. These include a case regarding misuse of authority in constructing a road leading to the Sharif family residence in Raiwind, which closed in July 2023. Another investigation against Nawaz regarding illegal appointments in the Federal Investigation Agency was also terminated in 2017.
NAB closed an inquiry into Ashraf’s alleged misuse of authority to release funds for infrastructure projects in 2017. Similarly, an investigation into Shujaat’s assets beyond means was concluded in 2021.
Three inquiries are pending due to restraining orders from the Lahore High Court. Investigations into the management of DHA Valley Islamabad and former commerce minister Mir Abdul Ghafoor Lehri are still active.
Among these, the Supreme Court of Pakistan adjudicates the case involving CDA officials and the BNP Group in constructing the Grand Hyatt Tower. Out of the total cases, the NAB has secured only ten convictions, some through plea bargains, and recorded 19 acquittals.
