KARACHI: The Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Lt. Gen. (Retd) Nazir Ahmed Butt, has assured the business community of relief from undue harassment by any department, emphasizing NAB's commitment to support businesses.

According to a statement by Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman NAB highlighted the timely resolution of 13 out of 14 business-related cases within six months, underscoring NAB's efficiency. He encouraged the submission of cases from the business community for prioritized resolution to provide immediate relief.

Present at the meeting were Director General NAB Javed Akbar Riaz, Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala, and various leaders from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside senior NAB officials.

Chairman NAB assured that the culture of fear within NAB has been eradicated, with new rules to prevent harassment of businessmen. He announced enhancements to NAB's Businessmen Facilitation Desk, integrating members from KCCI and other institutions.

He articulated the need for a conducive business environment and expressed optimism about Pakistan's potential to become a trillion-dollar economy, citing opportunities in agriculture and technological sectors.

Addressing concerns of a brain drain, Chairman NAB noted the significant capital flight due to Pakistanis seeking citizenship abroad. He stressed the importance of reversing this trend to retain human and financial resources.

Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala acknowledged improvements but cautioned that corruption remains a challenge driving people away from Pakistan. He highlighted the potential of the IT sector, currently hindered by harassment.

KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani raised issues like land grabbing and delayed tax refunds, calling for NAB's intervention to improve the business climate and restore investor confidence.