Pakistan, China to jointly ensure transparency in CPEC projects

Pakistan and China have agreed to jointly oversee the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and ensure transparency in the project as an agreement in this regard was signed between the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Beijing.

The Express Tribune quoted NAB Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, as saying, that corruption was the greatest evil being faced in the country and its eradication was the bureau's top priority.

He said that standard operating procedures (SOPs) were devised by the NAB to reduce the workload and timelines.

Chaudhary added that timeline of maximum 10 months were prescribed for efficient, effective and expeditious disposal of cases from complaint verification-to-inquiry-to-investigation and finally to a reference in the accountability court.

The NAB Chief said a new system of Combined Investigation Team (CIT) was also introduced, so that investigators could derive benefit from the experience and collective wisdom of senior officers.

Asserting that the concept of CIT had proven to be successful in improving the quality of inquiry and investigations, Chaudhary said this system would lend quality to the work and also ensure that no one can influence proceedings.

Highlighting that Pakistan became the first country to lead the SAARC Anti-Corruption forum, Chaudhry said the NAB was a role model for SAARC Countries.

He said NAB had collaborated with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to create awareness about the ill-effects of corruption amongst the youth and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct over 42,000 Character Building Societies (CBSs) at universities and colleges across the country.