NAB recovers Rs1bn in ISMMart scam

February 4, 2026 (MLN): The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has achieved another significant success toward restoring public confidence in the State by taking decisive action against one of Pakistan’s largest financial frauds, the ISMMart Group Scam.

The credit goes to the professional expertise and indefatigable efforts of NAB Islamabad/Rawalpindi for recovering Rs1 billion so far, out of which Rs600 million has been distributed among 3,400 victims in the first phase, said a press release issued today. 

During a ceremony held at NAB Headquarters, cheques were distributed among the victims. The event was presided over by Chairman NAB Lt. Gen. (R) Nazir Ahmed.

Deputy Chairman Sohail Nasir, Prosecutor General Ihtesham Qadir Shah, DG NAB Waqar Ahmad Chauhan, senior NAB officers, and a large number of victims attended the ceremony.

The management of Ismmart group lured the public with promises of unrealistic profits under the guise of fake businesses including e-commerce, restaurants, and real estate, and fraudulently collected billions of rupees.

Approximately 3,400 victims approached the Bureau, with an estimated Rs3.5 billion defrauded in total.

The principal accused has been in NAB custody since July 2024, and investigations are progressing swiftly in accordance with legal requirements.

The NAB investigation team has also achieved a breakthrough by tracing funds that were transferred to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through hundi, hawala, and cryptocurrency channels. Cooperation with UAE authorities is ongoing to ensure full repatriation of the remaining funds from abroad.

On this occasion, Chairman NAB Lt.Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed appreciated the performance of the NAB Islamabad/Rawalpindi investigation team and stated, “Public trust in NAB is our true strength.”

He further announced that a nationwide public awareness campaign will soon be launched to enable citizens to avoid such scams in future.

DG NAB Islamabad/Rawalpindi Waqar Ahmed Chohan termed this achievement the “second gift of 2026,” stating that providing relief to victims of Bankers City in January and ISMMart in February demonstrates NAB’s dedication to upholding justice.

In a citizen-oriented reform, NAB has also announced that future payments to victims will be made through online bank transfers to save them from repeated visits to offices.

This NAB achievement is clear evidence that the Bureau is not only actively combating corruption but is also firmly committed to repatriating the life savings of affected victims.

During the ceremony, Chairman NAB distributed shields among members of the NAB Islamabad/Rawalpindi investigation team and also announced Umrah packages for the team in recognition of their outstanding performance.

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