NAB and the Challenge of White-Collar Crime in Pakistan: Reform, Reality, and Prospects

White-collar crime has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges for Pakistan, undermining economic growth, public trust, and the legitimacy of state institutions. The establishment of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in 1999 was intended to serve as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s anti-corruption framework. However, despite its broad legal mandate, NAB’s performance has remained controversial. The research problem addressed in this study is whether NAB has been effective in combating white-collar crime, and what institutional and legal shortcomings hinder its functioning. The purpose of the study is to critically evaluate NAB’s role, its strengths and weaknesses, and to propose reforms for strengthening accountability in Pakistan. Using a qualitative research design based on doctrinal legal analysis, the article reviews statutory provisions, judicial pronouncements, and scholarly literature to assess NAB’s functioning. The findings reveal that while NAB has achieved notable financial recoveries and brought high-profile cases to light, its effectiveness is undermined by political influence, selective accountability, weak prosecution, and inadequate expertise in financial crimes. The study concludes that meaningful reforms, particularly in the areas of independence, judicial oversight, and capacity building, are essential for NAB to evolve into a credible institution capable of addressing the complex challenges of white-collar crime in Pakistan