Pakistan Assures IMF of Anti-Corruption Reforms, Plans Greater Autonomy for NAB

The government of Pakistan has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it will implement wide-ranging reforms to curb corruption, including making public officials’ asset declarations accessible and revising the appointment process of the anti-graft watchdog.

According to official details, Pakistan has committed in writing to publish asset declarations of government officers by December 2026, while granting full institutional and operational autonomy to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) by January 2027.

As part of the reforms, a transparent system for appointing senior management positions within NAB will be introduced to strengthen its independence. The government also plans to make NAB’s rules, regulations, and performance data publicly available.

These measures are expected to be completed under a structural benchmark set for January 2027 as part of ongoing reform commitments.

The government further assured the IMF that the process for appointing the NAB chairman will be reviewed to ensure greater transparency and merit-based selection.

Under the proposed framework, pre-defined eligibility criteria—such as experience and integrity—will be established. The selection process will be open, competitive, and merit-driven.

Additionally, a multi-stakeholder commission will be formed, comprising representatives from the government, opposition, judiciary, civil service, academia, and civil society, to oversee a transparent recruitment process.

The reforms are aimed at strengthening accountability mechanisms and enhancing public trust in anti-corruption institutions.