The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is Pakistan's premier anti-corruption agency, responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases related to corruption, financial crimes, and abuse of power. NAB's mandate is to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in public and private institutions.

NAB investigates and prosecutes cases related to corruption, money laundering, embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, illegal assets, cheating of members of public at large, and other financial crimes involving public officials or private individuals. It also handles cases where public resources are misused or where government policies are violated.

NAB investigates and prosecutes cases related to corruption, money laundering, embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, illegal assets, cheating of members of public at large, and other financial crimes involving public officials or private individuals. It also handles cases where public resources are misused or where government policies are violated.

Citizens can file complaints related to corruption or abuse of power through NAB’s official website, Regional offices, or the NAB helpline. Complaints can also be submitted in writing or through NAB’s designated email addresses. All complaints should be supported by relevant evidence.

After receiving a complaint, NAB conducts a Complaint Verification (CV) to determine whether the case falls within its jurisdiction and if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with an inquiry. If the CV establishes merit, an inquiry is launched, and legal proceedings may follow.

Yes, NAB can take action against private individuals or entities if they are involved in financial crimes such as money laundering, or misappropriation of government resources or cheats members of public at large.

NAB's jurisdiction is not limited to public officials but extends to all those who engage in corrupt practices impacting public interests as defined in Sec “9” of NAO, 1999.

• Complaint: A citizen or authority submits a complaint. 
• Complaint Verification: NAB first decides the merits of complaint
• Inquiry: NAB evaluates the veracity of allegations through collection of evidence.  
• Investigation: If evidence is found, NAB investigates the matter further.  
• Prosecution: If warranted, NAB files a case in an accountability court.  
• Court Decision: The accountability court decides on the case, which may result in penalties, fines, or imprisonment for the accused.

NAB can recommend penalties including imprisonment, fines, confiscation of illicit assets, and disqualification from holding public office. The penalties depend on the severity of the corruption, the amount involved, and the damage caused to public resources.

There is a common misconception that NAB negotiate with criminals and release them in exchange for a settlement, often leading to the belief that corrupt individuals can escape justice through this process. The Plea Bargain provision in NAB's law is a legal tool designed to encourage the recovery of embezzled or misappropriated public funds and to expedite the judicial process. It allows individuals accused of corruption or financial crimes to voluntarily return illegally gained assets in exchange for an evasion from sentence in prison. Most importantly it is approved by the Accountability Court.