National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman, retired Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed Butt, has expressed concern over the outflow of wealth by 25,000 Pakistanis who transferred their assets abroad to secure foreign citizenship through investment schemes. Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he emphasized the need to curb brain drain and capital flight to protect Pakistan’s economy.

The chairman highlighted Pakistan’s potential to become a trillion-dollar economy within six to seven years, provided the country prioritizes advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and software development. He stressed the importance of moving beyond reliance on trade agreements, such as the European Union’s GSP+ scheme, to achieve sustainable growth.

On the export front, Butt noted that rice exports had reached $3.8 billion, contributing to total agricultural exports of $9 billion. He added that Pakistan is transitioning from an import-driven to an export-driven economy, signaling positive economic progress.

Addressing concerns from the business community, the NAB chairman assured that the bureau is committed to preventing harassment and fostering a business-friendly environment. He invited KCCI to submit cases for swift resolution and announced plans to strengthen NAB’s Businessmen Facilitation Desk by including representation from key industry bodies.