NAB begins ISMMart payouts, Rs600m released to 3,400 victims

The National Accountability Bureau Islamabad and Rawalpindi has disbursed Rs600 million to 3,400 victims of the ISMMart Group scam after recovering Rs1 billion in the high profile financial fraud case, officials said on Wednesday.

According to NAB, total losses reported by affectees in the case stand at Rs3.5 billion. The prime accused has remained in NAB custody since July 2024, while investigations are being pursued on a fast track in line with legal requirements.

The accused is alleged to have defrauded the public of billions of rupees by offering unrealistically high returns through fictitious businesses presented as ventures in e commerce, restaurants and real estate.

The cheques were distributed at a ceremony held at NAB Headquarters, presided over by Chairman Lt Gen Retd Nazir Ahmed. Senior officials including Deputy Chairman Sohail Nasir, Prosecutor General Ihtesham Qadir Shah and Director General NAB Islamabad and Rawalpindi Waqar Ahmed Chohan were present, along with a large number of victims.

NAB termed the disbursement a major relief measure for victims of large scale financial fraud and described it as the Bureau’s second major recovery initiative of 2026, following compensation provided to Banker City victims in January.

Officials said investigation teams had traced funds transferred abroad through hundi, hawala and cryptocurrency channels. Coordination is underway with authorities in the United Arab Emirates to ensure full repatriation of the remaining defrauded amount.

Addressing the ceremony, the NAB Chairman praised the performance of the investigation teams and said public confidence remained the Bureau’s greatest strength. He announced that a nationwide public awareness campaign would be launched to curb fraudulent schemes and said future repayments to victims would be made through online transfers.

DG NAB Islamabad and Rawalpindi described the distribution as the Bureau’s “second gift” of the year, reflecting its commitment to protecting public interest.

In recognition of the teams’ efforts, shields were awarded to officials involved in the case, while Umrah packages were also announced. NAB reiterated its resolve to combat corruption and recover the lifetime savings of victims, terming the ISMMart case one of the largest financial frauds in the country.