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First major arrest made under AMLA: Probe ordered into ‘Future Vision' scam: DG NAB

First major arrest made under AMLA: Probe ordered into ‘Future Vision' scam: DG NAB

LAHORE In pursuance of the public welfare-oriented vision of Chairman NAB, the National Accountability Bureau, Lahore convened mega open court chaired by Director General NAB Lahore, Ghulam Safdar Shah. The event was marked by the substantial participation of victims from various high-profile corruption scandals, reflecting public confidence in NAB's redressal mechanisms.
Victims of Future Vision scam, Bahria Cuisines scam, Omega Housing scandal, New Lahore City, Pak-Arab Housing Society, Khayaban-e-Amin Housing Society, Eden Garden, and Professional Cooperative Housing Society earnestly approached the forum to present their grievances by seeking institutional support and intervention for their redressal.
While addressing the open court, DG NAB Lahore, Ghulam Safdar Shah reaffirmed the Bureau's unwavering commitment to safeguarding public interest and upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice. He stated that NAB Lahore has executed its first major arrest under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), marking a pivotal milestone in the Bureau's pursuit against financial misappropriation.
He further disclosed that, in response to a multitude of complaints received from the general public, a direct inquiry has been formally authorised in the Future Vision Scam. However, in order to prevent further financial exploitation, categorical instructions have been issued that individuals operating fraudulent Ponzi schemes be immediately placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).
The DG underlined that all operations are being undertaken in strict compliance with the directives of the Honourable Chairman NAB, whose guidance remains instrumental in driving the institution's citizen-centric agenda. NAB's resolve remains firm to bring all culpable elements to justice and to ensure that the aggrieved parties are duly compensated, he added. He further remarked that, unlike prior practices, the current model of Khuli Katcheri encourages direct interface between victims and housing society administrations, thereby facilitating pragmatic and result-oriented dispute resolution. Weekly monitoring of progress on individual cases is being conducted under his supervision is meant to maintain fair momentum and institutional vigilance. Owing to the relentless efforts and dedicated interventions of NAB Lahore, billions of rupees have been recovered, benefitting thousands of citizens who had fallen prey to fraudulent schemes.
The victims present on the occasion expressed profound appreciation for the dynamic leadership and proactive measures taken by DG NAB Lahore, and acknowledged that the regular convening of open courts, is a reflection of Chairman NAB's unwavering commitment to public facilitation and institutional transparency.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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Zimbabwe recall Brendan Taylor after completion of ICC ban
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Pharmaceutical exports: some prescriptions
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time17 hours ago

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In the same manner as other Pakistani products, the menace of illicit exports of pharma products which in many cases lack quality assurance, use substandard raw material, and are unethically counterfeit, while bringing in undocumented foreign proceeds, result in creating a negative image of the pharma sector. It is recommended that a pharma oversight Council be formed consisting of representatives from SIFC, Anti-Narcotics Force, Army Corps X1 and Corps X11 based in KPK and Balochistan, as well as from the Pakistan Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers Association that would identify those in this illicit trade, seal their premises, and prosecute the owners or perpetrators. This illicit trade is estimated to be around USD 90-100 million annually and is growing every year. 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Reliance of local pharmaceutical industry on India was estimated at 50 percent — 60 percent before the recent Indo-Pak conflict. Pakistan Business Council, in a study 'Unleashing the Potential of Pharmaceuticals in Pakistan', advised that 'Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan should continue its reforms for quality regulation and enforcement, for example, by achieving international standards, clearing certifications as per WHO Global Benchmarking Tool, and attaining the Pharmaceutical Inspection Corporation Scheme membership, which could allow market access to Stringent Regulatory Authority countries'. The depressing situation is that only four foreign companies have manufacturing facilities in the country. Ayesha T. Haq, Executive Director of Pharma Bureau, emphasized the issues impeding the growth of foreign pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan. 'The regulatory environment in Pakistan is a major obstacle to the growth of foreign pharmaceutical companies. 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(The writer is a former President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Old car importers: Anti-Benami zone of FBR initiates big crackdown
Old car importers: Anti-Benami zone of FBR initiates big crackdown

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