Lt General (retired) Nazir Ahmed will continue as NAB chairman after his term was extended by three years, the government announced on Thursday.
Ahmed initially became chairman on March 4, 2023, following the resignation of his predecessor, Aftab Sultan. His original term was set to expire in March 2026.
The extension takes effect from March 6, 2026, after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the NAB (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill allows the chairperson’s term to be extended by three years, a first in NAB’s history.
Previously, NAB chairmen served a non‑extendable term of three years and were not eligible for reappointment under the National Accountability Bureau Ordinance. The recent amendment to Section 6 now permits one extension of three years, approved by the federal government.
The bill was passed through both Houses of Parliament swiftly, despite opposition protests. Critics expressed concerns over the sudden change and the timing, as the vote occurred just a day before Ahmed’s term was due to end.
Supporters of the amendment argue that extending the NAB chairman’s term ensures continuity in ongoing accountability cases and strengthens institutional leadership. They believe that Ahmed’s extended tenure will help maintain focus on high-profile investigations and reforms.
Opposition leaders, however, have criticized the move, saying it sets a precedent for altering tenures of key government officials through amendments. They warned that it could impact the independence of the bureau.
The National Accountability Bureau has been a central institution in Pakistan, tasked with investigating corruption and financial crimes. Extending the chairperson’s term is seen as a major shift in governance practices for the agency.
As Nazir Ahmed prepares to continue in office, officials emphasize that the extended three-year term aims to provide stability in NAB’s leadership and allow long-term initiatives to be completed effectively.
The amendment marks a significant policy change, and the coming months will show how the extended term influences the bureau’s operations and accountability measures nationwide.
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