NAB reports record Rs6.213 trillion recovery in 2025, highest since inception

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has reported a record recovery of Rs6.213 trillion during 2025, the highest annual figure since its establishment, according to the bureau’s annual performance report.

Briefing the media, senior NAB officials said total recoveries over the past three years have reached Rs11.524 trillion, with 2025 accounting for more than half of the cumulative amount. The bureau stated that the latest figure significantly exceeds recoveries recorded over previous decades.

According to the report, a major portion of the recovery stemmed from the reclamation of encroached state and forest land. NAB said it recovered around 2.98 million acres of land valued at approximately Rs5.98 trillion across the country, including large recoveries in Sukkur, Balochistan, Multan and the federal capital.

The bureau also highlighted relief measures for victims of fraudulent housing and investment schemes. During the year, Rs180 billion was disbursed to more than 115,000 affectees. For the first time, NAB said it transferred Rs2.8 billion directly into the bank accounts of affected individuals through an arrangement with the National Bank of Pakistan.

In several high-profile cases, the bureau reported the return of funds and assets to victims, including disbursements linked to housing societies and investment schemes. NAB also said Rs10.066 billion was recovered and passed on to provincial governments and financial institutions during the year.

On the operational side, NAB reported a decline in complaints and investigations. The bureau said it received 23,411 complaints in 2025, with only a small number found to be cognisable after scrutiny. It cited a reduction in fresh complaints and a decline in cases against public office holders and businesspersons, alongside an increase in whistleblower-driven information.

The report noted that NAB completed 191 inquiries and 65 investigations during the year, while several cases were closed or referred to other departments following amendments to accountability laws. The prosecution success rate in courts was reported at 72% in 2025.

NAB said it has expanded the use of technology in investigations, including digital forensics and data analysis tools, and established the Pakistan Anti-Corruption Academy to support training of investigators and prosecutors. The academy conducted multiple training programmes during the year focusing on financial crimes and anti-money laundering.

The bureau also outlined internal reforms, including a shift toward paperless operations, development of a digital human resource management system, and cost-saving measures such as staff rationalisation and reduced operational expenses.

Internationally, NAB said it signed cooperation agreements with anti-corruption agencies in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, and attached assets worth Rs127 billion in several money laundering cases.

According to the report, the bureau views the 2025 performance as reflecting progress in recoveries, institutional reforms and digitalisation, while continuing its mandate of accountability and asset recovery.