IMF adds NAB chief’s ‘transparent appointment’ to new targets for Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has set a new condition requiring greater transparency in appointing the chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Under this requirement, the selection must be carried out by a commission that includes representation from opposition parties.

According to an article published by Express Tribune on Tuesday, Pakistan has assured the IMF it will strengthen NAB’s independence by adopting a transparent and structured process for appointing senior leadership, along with publishing its operational rules and performance data.

These changes must be completed by January next year and will require amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance.

The IMF introduced this condition as part of broader efforts to improve governance and reinforce anti-corruption laws. The appointment of the NAB chairman has long been contentious, and recent legal amendments allowed an extension for the current officeholder.

At present, the chairman is appointed by the president on the prime minister’s advice, following consultation with the opposition leader. However, the IMF considers institutional independence critical for public trust and has pushed for a more open and rules-based system.

The government has agreed to revise the NAB law to include clear eligibility criteria, such as experience and integrity standards. It will also establish a merit-based and competitive selection mechanism overseen by a multi-stakeholder commission comprising representatives from the government, opposition, judiciary, civil service, academia, and civil society.

Additionally, NAB will publish annual data on investigations, prosecutions, and convictions on its website.

Pakistan has also pledged to release the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) review report through the Ministry of Law and Justice. The IMF had earlier required publication of the Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment, which has already been completed.