NAB spotlights Pakistan’s economic potential

January 29, 2026 (MLN): The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has highlighted Pakistan’s immense economic potential while it urged the business community to actively participate in stabilizing and expanding the national economy.

Chairman of NAB, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Nazeer Ahmed speaking in Karachi has emphasized that despite global economic pressures and domestic challenges, Pakistan is entering a phase of renewed global recognition and must leverage its own capabilities to compete effectively on the international stage.

Addressing the current economic environment, the NAB Chairman noted that worldwide economic pressures are intensifying, with multinational corporations struggling under rising external debt.

He highlighted that Pakistan is facing an external debt of $130bn, making the next two years critically important for national economic strategy, according to the press release. 

He stressed that the country must prepare for the emerging New World Order and focus on self-reliance rather than depending on preferential trade statuses.

Nazeer Ahmed pointed out that Pakistan remains a trillion-dollar economy, ranking 21st globally in terms of purchasing power parity.

With a population of 250m, 65% of which is youth, Pakistan represents one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

He further highlighted the country’s strong agricultural base, noting that Pakistan produces more than enough food for domestic needs, ranks globally between fourth and eighth in various crops, and hosts the world’s largest irrigation network.

The country also possesses vast mineral reserves, including gold particles, rare earth minerals, and other natural resources, reducing dependency on imports of essential commodities.

Speaking directly to the business community, the NAB Chairman assured that development initiatives are underway and that Karachi would soon present a “new face.”

He encouraged traders and industrialists to actively lead planning efforts, while NAB would coordinate and work in consultation with them.

He urged factory owners not to close operations or lay off employees, emphasizing that economic revival depends on keeping the wheels of industry moving.

He also warned against transferring capital abroad due to fears of taxation or extortion, noting that global safe havens for black money are disappearing and investors’ futures are increasingly tied to Pakistan.

On economic indicators and reforms, Nazeer Ahmed stated that Pakistan’s GDP growth currently stands at 3.8% and emphasized the need to document the economy, which could significantly increase its size.

He criticized the practice of imposing new taxes every year as an unsustainable revenue strategy, stressing that taxation must remain bearable.

He projected that after exiting the IMF program, Pakistan would gain greater freedom in shaping its economic policies, with foreign exchange reserves expected to reach between $40 and $45bn by mid-April.

He also highlighted export potential in sectors such as halal meat and pharmaceuticals, while acknowledging that Pakistan cannot become a major global exporter overnight and that economic stabilization remains a prerequisite.

He noted that overseas Pakistanis remit approximately $40bn annually, and IT exports could grow from $5bn to $50bn within five years.

On governance and accountability, the Chairman said NAB has recovered Rs11.4tr over the past two years.

He mentioned that jewelry, vehicles, and properties worth Rs5bn have been handed over to the Sindh government, and land worth Rs1.57 trillion acquired through fraudulent means has been reclaimed.

He also revealed action against illegal mining activities along the Indus River, exposing thousands of machines and dumpers operating at massive weekly costs, and highlighted corruption recoveries in development projects, including Rs2.5bn from the Deputy Commissioner Matiari residence in the Sukkur Motorway case.

He emphasized that NAB prefers post-completion accountability to avoid unnecessary interference during project execution.

The Chairman further announced a joint framework with the Sindh government to digitize all land records across Karachi, Jamshoro, and Hyderabad, valued at approximately Rs11tr.

NAB’s Business Facilitation Center will assist businesses in verifying land ownership and resolving fraudulent cases, ensuring that buyers affected by land scams are treated as victims rather than accused.

Concluding his address, Nazeer Ahmed highlighted Pakistan’s improved global standing since May, with increasing diplomatic engagement and defense export deals underway.

He expressed confidence that economic conditions would improve next year and urged patience from the business community.

He also revealed plans to meet traders again in April, stressing that sustained cooperation between the government and the business community would yield positive and lasting results.

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