SDPI, NAB discuss ties to bring about research-based reforms

ISLAMABAD, Oct 8 (APP): Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) discussed building an enduring collaboration to strengthen the Bureau’s policy and regulatory expertise.

Both sides agreed in principle to develop a research collaboration so that the Bureau’s achievements could be converted into benefits for national development, said a press release.

 They said it will give a message to the world that “Pakistan is a power in the making.”

Speaking at the SDPI’s special guest lecture series, NAB chairman Lt-Gen. (retd) Nazir Ahmed said the Bureau aims to develop intellectual depth to carry out empirical analysis and to comment on regulations and laws of a technical nature.

He said the Bureau is working on a decade-long roadmap and wanted the think tank to be a long-term research partner in it.

Lauding the role of SDPI’s faculty in research and policy, he said: “We hope to learn new methods of research by developing a partnership with SDPI.

Evincing his interest in SDPI’s Sustainable Development Conference (SDC), the NAB chief said: “We also intend to host events with the institute on themes of mutual interest.”

He said the Bureau is drawing up a reform plan with the aim that both accused and complainants should have faith in fair and just proceedings. The Bureau, he added, has gone paperless and is now preparing to deploy an indigenous AI-driven investigation model, namely “NAB-Eye”, to cut procedures from years to hours.

He said the Bureau has set up facilitation cells for parliamentarians and businessmen, and has cut back on media briefings, holding press conferences only twice a year.

Earlier, SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri welcomed the distinguished speaker for his remarks at the Institute’s Special Guest Lecture Series to be held for the SDPI staff.

He also invited the NAB chief to join the SDPI’s annual flagship 29th Sustainable Development Conference to be held from November 2-5 this year at the Allama Iqbal Open University and explore common themes to hold joint side-events and sessions for mass awareness and education.